The continuation of the council tax freeze will be particularly welcome news for hard-pressed council tax-paying households across Scotland, given the wider economic challenges that the country faces.In view of the 2013-14 budget process having been concluded, the amendment order seeks approval for the payment of each local authority’s share of the £70 million that has been set aside to compensate councils for the council tax income that has been foregone as a result of the continued council tax freeze.The amendment order also seeks parliamentary approval for payment of £37.9 million for the newly formed Scottish welfare fund, which has been set up following the transfer of the former social fund from the Department for Work and Pensions, as part of the UK Government’s welfare reform programme...