[3] However the Conservatives defended the rise, blaming it on an insufficient grant from the national government[4] and on the previous Liberal Democrat administration for using cash balances to keep levels artificially low.
[3] The election also saw four independent candidates standing in Stratford wards in opposition to the council tax rise.
[3] The results saw the Conservatives regain control of the council, after the election saw 5 seats changes hands.
[6] The election in Stratford Avenue and New Town saw the closest result with independent Keith Lloyd, standing in protest at council tax levels, defeating Liberal Democrat Bill Lowe by 1 vote.
[6] However the Liberal Democrats ended with the same number of seats, with their 2 gains including a surprise win in Stockton and Napton.