Scottish Borders Council agrees tax freeze move

Councillors in the Borders have agreed a tax freeze

Scottish Borders Council has agreed a council tax freeze as part of its plans for the financial year ahead.

Last year the Conservative-Independent administration approved a 4.8% increase in its charges.

However, it was advised to accept extra funding of nearly £2m from the Scottish government in order to keep them unchanged for 2021/22.

It will see the council tax bill for a band D property in the region frozen at £1,253.91.

Mark Rowley, executive member for economic regeneration and finance, said the freeze would provide "some stability" for households across the Borders.

He said that due to the funding from the Scottish government it meant that leaving council tax unchanged would not affect the money available for services.

However, the local authority has taken the decision to delay its budget setting process which would normally take place alongside the tax move.

It will be set on 19 March in order to follow a finalised financial settlement from the Scottish government.