Dumfries and Galloway council tax rise aims to avoid 'unnecessary cuts'

A council tax rise of 4.8% has been agreed in Dumfries and Galloway after the local authority said doing so would avoid "unnecessary cuts".

The Labour-SNP administration said its proposal would "protect the entire education budget".

Opposition groups had tabled alternative plans, which all involved a council tax increase of 4.8%.

The administration said the public had indicated they were willing to pay more to protect local services.

Its budget proposals - published online - said schools and teacher numbers had emerged as a particular priority.

The council tax increase in the region translates to about £56 a year for a band D property.

Alternative spending plans were put forward by the Conservative group, independents and socialist group on the local authority.

Neighbouring Scottish Borders Council has already agreed a 4.8% increase in council tax.