Published: Monday, 1st February, 2010 2:02pm

Third council tax freeze announced in council budget

A THIRD consecutive freeze on Council Tax and significant investment in Social Work and Education are among the 2010-2011 budget proposals outlined by Scottish Borders Council's political Administration this week.

The proposals will go to Council for approval on Thursday, February 11. They also include continued investment in nursery and pre-school provision and an increase in foster care allowance rates - as well as continued investment in the school estate. The Council's budget will rise to almost £269 million.

Leader of the Council, David Parker, said: "Setting our budget is always a challenge - particularly so this year with difficult global economic circumstances and a package from the Scottish Government which was £4.3 million less than we had anticipated.

"However, I believe we have come up with solutions which put this Council on a sound financial footing and which preserve our frontline services.

"I am also extremely pleased to announce that, once again, we will not be using our Reserves to support this budget."

Depute Leader (Finance) Neil Calvert added: "The Council's on-going efficiency drive and service reviews have meant that we have been identifying savings on an on-going basis, which has left us in perhaps a healthier place budget-wise than many other local authorities this year - given the less-than-expected funding from the Government.

"I am pleased to see that, as well as identifying savings in this budget, we have continued to make significant investments in service improvement. I hope the people of the Borders will welcome these investments as good news for the region."

Depute Leader (HR) Alec Nicol said: "A lot of hard work has been put in from every Council department to find ways of running our services in a more efficient way - meaning we are using our budget in a way which will be of maximum benefit to local people.

"One of the main savings this year will be through the move to fortnightly general waste collections. This will have an important knock-on effect of reducing the Council's carbon footprint and driving up recycling rates and so avoiding environmental fines which could potentially cripple the Council.

"I am certain that our continued investment in frontline services will mean Borders residents will see the benefits."