Labour and Tory councillors remain at loggerheads over tax rates

The Conservative opposition, who walked out on a previous meeting to set the new rate, boycotted Thursday's proceedings.

Labour has insufficient numbers to push through its budget plans, following the death of one of its councillors.

The ruling administration wants to increase council tax by 4.5%, but the Tories have called for no increase.

The Tories have now asked for a special meeting to discuss the budget - which they describe as atrocious.

Counting the cost

The Scottish Executive could be asked to intervene if agreement cannot be reached.

In a statement, the council said Labour's 11 members were present for the Thursday's meeting but as the 10 Tory councillors did not attend, it was not in quorum.

Speaking earlier this month, council leader Corrie McChord accused the Tories of "a stunt" following their walk-out on 13 February.

He said failure to agree a new rate was costing the council money.

Tory councillor Paul Nelson said the proposed rate was too high and he believed Stirling Council, like Glasgow, should not increase rates.

Mr Nelson also proposed reducing the council's 425-strong workforce in the corporate services department.

Stirling and South Ayrshire are the only councils yet to set new tax rates.