Council tax in Hertsmere is likely to be frozen for the third year running after the borough council’s budget was given first-stage approval last night.

The authority’s executive committee ratified the forecast for the 2012/2013 financial year, which factored in a cut of more than £850,000 in government grants.

Despite the deficit, councillors agreed to continue funding a £37,000-a-year debt advisor at the borough’s citizen’s advice bureau, offering support to residents struggling in the economic climate.

Redundancies and structural changes meant the council covered most of its government grant shortfall in the 2011/2012 financial year.

The current budget will now be discussed at the next executive committee meeting on February 8 before going on to full council for approval on February 22.