LABOUR councillors were forced to defend themselves against an onslaught of criticism as Bexley's lowest council tax rise for 13 years was confirmed by the council.

Tory council leader Councillor Ian Clement introduced the budget for next year at last week's council meeting, saying "the era of massive council tax rises is over".

He said the proposed budget was fiscally sound and provided good services and a low council tax, and added: "We will deliver for the people of Bexley."

Cllr Clement added: "This is the first year, but we will continue to deliver year in and year out. That is my pledge to the people of the borough."

Cabinet member for finance and corporate affairs, Councillor Colin Campbell said this year's budget was different because the council had listened to people.

He said the council had made difficult decisions but had protected front-line services.

The council is reviewing all its large contracts and services provided by other groups to see if Bexley can get the same or better, for less money.

He added: "We have already taken £300,000 out of the pockets of our partners and put it in our residents' pockets."

He also said the council was trying to put services it provides to people at a subsidised rate, on a more commercial footing.

This was picked up by opposition Labour leader Councillor Chris Ball who said there was no difference between the two parties on 95 per cent of the proposals.

He defended the four years of his Labour administration saying that the Audit Commission had confirmed his party's good management of the council in its latest corporate assessment report.

He warned against cutting too many council jobs to save cash, saying he could already see mistakes being made and signs of stress.

But Councillor Gareth Bacon, cabinet member for environment, replied: "The staff are here because we need to provide services to residents. We are not a social organisation which hires people we don't need."

Cllr Ball also criticised the rise in charges for home care and the hike in car parking fees and proposed using £200,000 from reserves to cover the cost, but was blasted by Cllr Campbell for the suggestion.

Cllr Campbell said: "This is the difference between us. You cannot fund revenue costs from reserves."

Labour's proposal was defeated and the budget went through unamended, confirming an overall rise from April of 3.5 per cent.