Council tax has been frozen for the fifth year running despite the gloomy economic climate.

Newham Council approved budget plans on Monday night in a meeting of the full council to keep local authority tax rates at the same level.

The borough’s council tax is the lowest in outer London, according to councillors, meaning properties in Band D continue to pay £945.63 per year.

Newham Council also agreed to continue providing free school meals in primary schools and extend the Every Child a Musician programme to include 10,000 Year Seven pupils.

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales also proposed the creation of a Life Changing Fund to help people in need aspire to turn their lives around.