Falkirk joins council tax freeze

The local authority voted to freeze council tax for a year

Falkirk Council has voted to freeze council tax rates for the next financial year.

The local authority said the move would see householders in a band D property paying £1,070 annually, before water charges are added.

At a meeting on Wednesday, councillors approved a £329.3m budget.

Despite the agreement, residents will still see a rise in their monthly bills after a 3.7% increase in water charges is taken into account.

Council leader Linda Gow said that despite being under "immense pressure" to make efficiency savings, the local authority had managed to deliver additional services.

She said: "Our budget reflects the main priorities for this council and those who need our services most will undoubtedly benefit from the proposals being put forward."

The Labour-controlled authority said it would spend an addition £1.6m on childrens' services, community care and homelessness.

There will also be £2.63m spent on flood prevention work as well an extra £1.07m to improve the local waste management services and an additional £1.3m on roads maintenance.

The Scottish Government will give the council an additional £1.83m to help fund the freeze.