Scottish Borders Council has confirmed plans to freeze tax levels

The ruling Tory, Lib Dem and independent coalition had previously outlined a 2008/09 budget which was in line with Scottish Government targets.

The financial proposals have now been unanimously agreed at a full meeting of the authority at its headquarters in Newtown St Boswells.

It means the bill for a band D property in the region will remain fixed at �1,084 for the year ahead.

Council leader Andrew Parker said he was "delighted" the administration's budget had been accepted.

'Increased resources'

"It was a challenging task to manage this tight settlement, but I'm very pleased that we are able to freeze council tax and leave the council's reserves untouched," he said.

"Borders residents will, I'm sure, appreciate the increased resources going into frontline services."

Depute leader Alex Nicol said the budget contained "good news for a lot of people".