As of early February, over 200 councils have signalled they intend to taking up DCLG's council tax freeze offer, Eric Pickles has confirmed.

The government has set aside up to £675 million for local authorities in England to help keep council tax down. Last year's freeze saved households up to an estimated £72 on a Band D bill, and this year's freeze could potentially do the same.

Seven authorities have indicated they will cut council tax in cash terms - Hammersmith and Fulham, South Oxfordshire, Stratford-on-Avon, Tendring, Windsor and Maidenhead, Stratford-on-Avon, South Holland and the Greater London Authority.

Local Government Minister Bob Neill has now written to council leaders urging all councils to sign up to the freeze offer as "an act of public service that local residents will greatly appreciate".

The Government has set aside up to £675 million for local authorities in England to help keep council tax down. Last year's freeze saved households up to an estimated £72 on a Band D bill, and this year's freeze could potentially do the same.

The list of councils intending to take part in the Government's 2012-13 £675 million council tax freeze initiative is available here - tinyurl.com/7tlzbu8