Council taxes in England are set to rise by an average of 3 per cent; the lowest increase in ten years, but still higher than the current rate of inflation. The rise, which is equivalent to an extra 79p a week on average bills was criticised by Ministers who said there was ‘no excuse for excessive rises’ and that costs could be cut elsewhere to protect core services. As people continue to struggle to pay off bills, Local Government Association Chairman Margaret Eaton defended the rise saying, “Councils are responding to the fact people are feeling the pinch and are revising down this years council tax rises. Councils understand people are suffering and they are working flat out to keep council tax down, to keep local business afloat and help people deal with the impact of recession”. Councils predict their incomes will fall by £2.5 billion with one of the reasons being lower income from selling off land due to falling house prices.