RESIDENTS in Darlington will find out this week if a proposed council tax freeze is finalised as planned.

A full meeting of Darlington Borough Council is held on Thursday, February 25, when members vote on next year's budget.

The Labour-led cabinet submitted proposals for its budget at the start of the year ahead of a six-week consultation period.

The proposals include a freeze on council tax rates but at the cost of 77 posts and £4.7m service efficiencies.

Public consultation has helped to shape part of the proposals, with further discussions due take place on Early Years Inclusion Service, which had been due to be cut.

Darlington Storysack and Toy Resources, the future of which was also in jeopardy, has received an additional £60,000.

Union representatives held a demonstration against the proposals, which include cuts on overtime, bank holiday and car allowance payment, before a cabinet meeting last week.

Members of the cabinet group approved the budget.

The final decision will be considered at the full meeting, which starts at 6pm in the town hall council chamber. It is open to the public.