WIRRAL council last night followed Liverpool, in announcing a freeze on council tax for the coming year.

As details of its budget were revealed, council leader Jeff Green said it was the first time for many years the authority had been able to produce a balanced budget.

But it follows cuts now confirmed at 1,100 staff from the council – many of them frontline jobs.

Cllr Green emphasised twin priorities of boosting business and protecting the vulnerable in his budget resolution.

Among the policies to support business were a "free after three" parking on the council’s on and off street parking from Monday to Friday.

Also among the high-profile investments planned is £2.8m on solar energy – creating "mini power stations" of some council buildings which it is expected could reduce power costs and even earn a small amount of income.

At the budget cabinet meeting in Wallasey town hall last night, he said they had "avoided the crisis management seen in other local authorities" and maintained reserves at £14m.

A “Keeping it Local” initiative is expected to boost local traders.