At a special meeting, Glasgow City Council agreed a range of budget measures which enables the authority to set a zero rise in the Council Tax rate.

The level for Band D properties in 2008/09 will remain at £1,213.

The Budget proposals were approved today at a special meeting of the Council, driving forward the administration’s agenda of improved efficiency and service reform.

Councillors also approved the new Council Plan, which sets out the authority’s priorities for the next three years.

Councillor Stephen Curran, the City Treasurer, said: “This Budget is good news for every household in Glasgow – from those in the highest valuation bands to pensioners and those on low incomes, who often face the greatest problems coping with rising bills.

“However, our freeze in Council Tax does not have to mean a freeze on investment. It does not mean a freeze on ideas or vision.

“Despite a very tight settlement, we will not only hold Council Tax at its current rate, but also deliver a programme that reforms and invests in services for the good of our communities.

“We are committed to spending on our key priorities – education, a cleaner city and increasing participation in sports ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

“We will lead the way in making Glasgow a green city where environmental sustainability and economic sustainability go hand in hand.

“We will deliver on the vision we share with the people of Glasgow – a diverse and prosperous 21st century international city that benefits all.

“We are able to do that because effective and prudent stewardship of this Council has made Glasgow one of the most efficient authorities in Scotland.”

Cllr Curran added: “The Council Plan spells out how we will better equip services to meet the people of Glasgow’s needs over the next three years – through investment, reform and strong, forward-thinking leadership.”

Glasgow City Council will manage a budget of £2.4bn in 2008/09. 

In 2008/09, the City Council will invest:

• £1m in two new Learning Centres for children with behavioural and emotional difficulties
• £600,000 in a Skills Academy for young unemployed people
• £1m in Clean Glasgow to create a cleaner, safer environment for our citizens
• £250,000 for grassroots sports development – to help initiate a cultural change in Glaswegians’ motivation to participate in sport and physical activity
• £500,000 in recycling (and a target of cutting our fuel consumption by £1m) as we continue to play our part in fighting climate change and demonstrate that Glasgow is a green city

Council Tax has increased in Glasgow by 0% in the last three years, compared with a 7% increase in the rate of inflation over the same period.

The vast majority of Council Tax payers in Glasgow live in Band A and B properties – next year, their Council Tax payments (excluding Water and Sewage Charges) will be £808.67 and £943.44 respectively.

Read the Budget speech in full from Councillor Stephen Curran.