SEVERAL Scottish local authorities have confirmed above-inflation increases in council tax next year, as council leaders said they are necessary to maintain essential public services
Edinburgh and Orkney are the latest councils to announce increases in 25/26. Bills will also rise by 8.2% in Fife, 7.5% in Glasgow, and 10% in East Lothian.
Other councils are expected to impose similar increases, with a 10% rise being mooted in North Lanarkshire.
Residents in Midlothian will also see bills go up by 10% next year.
Midlothian councillor Kelly Parry welcomed additional funding from both the UK and Scottish Governments for services in Midlothian but said it still needed to raise council tax to balance its budget.
Here are the new annual charges per property band for Midlothian residents: (£)
- A 1110.80
- B 1295.94
- C 1481.06
- D 1666.20
- E 2189.21
- F 2707.58
- G 3262.97
- H 4082.19
Speaking about the council tax rise Parry pointed to higher National Insurance contributions which have to be paid by the council as one of the reasons for the high council tax rise.
The UK Government increased the amount employers have to pay in their Budget last year and despite hope local authorities would be reimbursed the money they have been given only covers around 60% of the additional costs.
Parry said: “I can confirm the council tax will rise by 10% in the next financial year however I think it is important, in context, to note what that means to residents and what it provides in terms of value.
“Based on a Band D residence, it will add on approximately £150 a year. In return residents will expect us to prioritise their views and I believe we have all tried our best to do so.
She said important issues from public consultations including retaining leisure centres, keeping community facilities open and retaining instrumental music tuition had all been acted on as well as tackling concerns about health and wellbeing by giving one of "the most generous" grants to the county’s health and social care partnership of any council in Scotland.
