The decision comes after consultation with staff who were told that the authority needs to make £27 million in savings over the next three years.

Last month Aylesbury Vale District Council also announced that it would be freezing pay for the next financial year.

Bill Chapple, deputy leader of the council and chairman of the senior appointments and Bucks pay award committee, said: "We understand that the decision to hold pay ranges at the current levels will be disappointing to many staff.

"Despite the fact that we are unable to provide a pay increase this year, I would like staff to be absolutely certain that their comitment and contribution is as valued now as it always has been.

"I, and the other members (of the cabinet), hope that staff will understand the difficult decision we have had to make due to the current financial climate and severe budgetary constraints placed upon us.

"We know that all staff will continue to support us through their excellent work in meeting the needs of Buckinghamshire's residents."

David Shakespeare, leader of the authority, added: "We are contractually commited to incremental rises and those that are due to go up with that are guaranteed."

Councillor's expenses and pay for the chief executive and his team of directors will also be frozen.

How has your pay been affected through the recession?