Harriett Baldwin congratulates Malvern Hills and Wychavon district councils on maintaining a freeze on council tax - following the 140% average increase seen in Worcestershire between 1997 and 2010. Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): What the percentage change in band D council tax was in (a) England and (b) Worcestershire between 1997 and 2010. [77098] The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Mr Eric Pickles): Council tax in England more than doubled under the previous Administration, and shire counties were hit particularly hard. Under that formula, Worcestershire saw an average rise close to 140%. Harriett Baldwin: Will the Secretary of State take this opportunity to record his thanks to staff and councillors at Malvern Hills and Wychavon district councils, which have managed to make enough back-office savings to enable them to freeze council tax following those shocking increases? Mr Pickles: I am happy to join my hon. Friend in thanking those two councils for prioritising their expenditure, for working together, and for protecting front-line services. After all, that is what local government should do, and it is what local government is particularly good at. | Hansard