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

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

Proposals to cut 77 jobs, 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.

Neither opposition party made any counter-proposals, although the Conservative group unanimously abstained and all Liberal Democrat councillors voted against the proposals.

Conservative party leaders said after the meeting they agreed with the tax freeze, but felt future increases and savings were unworkable.

The budget includes £4.7m worth of savings across all parts of the council.

Following a six-week public consultation, further discussion will take place about the Early Years Inclusion Service and £60,000 has been allocated to the Darlington Storysack and Toy Resources to allow trustees to come up with new plans.

Council leader John Williams, tabling the proposals, said: “It has been a challenging year for many residents and businesses. In acknowledging this, we will not raise council tax for the coming year.”

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

Conservative councillor Charles Johnson said: “This is a fag packet budget from a fagend cabinet who have played around with a political gesture at our employees’ expense.”

Liberal Democrat councillor Mike Barker said: “What we have is the lowest earners to bear the brunt of the cost savings.”

He also attacked the cabinet for worrying parents over proposals regarding the Early Years and Storysack services.

Opposition councillors also agreed there were too many managers in the authority.

Liberal Democrat councillor Martin Swainston called for an immediate and thorough management review.

Residents in Band A properties will pay an annual levy of £922.63. Bills will increase because police and fire authorities have agreed 3.99 and 2.85 per cent rises respectively.

Parish councils have increased their precepts.

Durham County Council sets its rate today. Its Labour cabinet has recommended a 1.9 per cent rise.