COUNCIL tax in Scotland has been frozen for the seventh year in a row.
With local authorities having set their budget, Finance Secretary John Swinney said the continuation of the freeze was "good news" for families as they would save cash in a "challenging economic climate".
The freeze is being funded as part of the £10.6 billion of Scottish Government cash being used to deliver local services during 2014-15.
In the deal between the Government and councils, local authorities have agreed to maintain teacher numbers in line with pupil numbers and provide places for teachers on their probationary year in the classroom.
The funding for councils for next year includes £343 million for the council tax reduction scheme - which replaces the council tax benefit - £51m for childcare and £20m for discretionary housing payments, to help those struggling due to the so-called "bedroom tax".
The Scottish Government is also providing £15m for free school meals next year, and £13m to help with the expansion of childcare.
Mr Swinney said: "This is the seventh successive year that we have fully funded a council tax freeze, which is good news for communities and households who will benefit from the savings this brings in a challenging economic climate."
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