DOZENS of 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
Orkney and Midlothian are the latest councils to confirm increases in 25/26. Bills will 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 and an 8% increase in Edinburgh.
Residents in Orkney will also see bills go up by 15% next year.
Here are the new annual charges per property band for Orkney residents: (£)
- A 1087.65
- B 1268.92
- C 1450.20
- D 1631.47
- E 2141.93
- F 2647.79
- G 3185.80
- H 3984.44
Officials had recommended putting the rate up by 11%, but councillors voted 11-10 in favour of 15%.
The proposed increase is forecast to raise an extra £1.7 million for the council.
It has identified the need for £700,000 savings, increasing charges for its services by 10% and introducing new charges for services such as telecare.
It faces using up to £20m from its reserve fund to maintain its services.
