A Government promise not to revaluate council tax bands – which could have hit residents hard – has been welcomed in the borough.

Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles revealed last week there would be no recalculation of council tax bands before the next General Election, which could be as late as June 2015.

He said a revaluation in Wales had hit people hard with about a third forced to pay more because the value of their homes had risen and would not do it.

Councillor Nick True, leader of Richmond Council, said: “This announcement is crucially important news for residents who would have been among the biggest sufferers from revaluation.

“It lifts a threat from many households, who are finding things tough in the present economic climate.

“At least this is one area where a substantial tax rise can now be discounted. “When Government funding is being reduced and some local services are likely to be cut back it is important that local people are not hit with a double whammy of also paying more council tax.

“I welcome Eric Pickles' announcement.”

Council tax bands, which set how much tax should be paid based on the value of a person's home, were last revalued in 1993.