FAMILIES in Darlington will bear no increase in council charges this year after the Labour cabinet's proposed tax freeze was approved tonight.

The budget for 2010/11 and a four-year financial plan were agreed at a full council meeting, keeping Darlington's tax bills the lowest in the North-East.

Proposals to cut 77 posts, of which 18 were unfilled, have been reduced to 41 positions, the meeting was told. Some premium rate payments and car allowances will be removed.

The Conservatives called the proposals an election gimmick. The Liberal Democrats labelled it a "Conservative budget".

Read the full story in tomorrow's Northern Echo