Now the budget has been set, council tax levels can be worked out

It will allow for additional spending on education and social work and on improving the area's flood defences.

The decision followed a debate on Thursday and council tax levels will be confirmed next week.

However, the decision provoked a row in the council chambers after it was passed by an overwhelming majority of independent members.

It led to a massive rejection of a proposal by the Labour group and a warning from independents of political tension after the May elections.

Council convener Alison Magee, an independent, thanked Finance Minister Tom McCabe for granting the council an unexpected �6m, which it could freely use to relieve numerous urgent budget pressures.

Open debate

However, a move by the Labour group to use a �2m contingency fund for more teachers, care home repairs and voluntary services was defeated, amid accusations of irresponsible electioneering.

Labour claims that the policy was not properly debated were rejected by Councillor Magee.

She said the independent-dominated council debated everything openly but that a party-led council would make decisions behind closed doors.

The councillor also warned the Labour group that if it was a minority in a party-led council, it would not have the debating opportunity afforded by an independent-dominated authority.