Renfrewshire residents are braced for a six per cent hike in council tax for the upcoming financial year.
The planned rise will be discussed tomorrow as the SNP administration puts forward its budget for 2023/24.
It is understood an annual charge of £40 for the collection of garden waste has also been mooted, although this would be subject to board approval.
Proposals also include a 5.5 per cent rent increase for council tenants and general service charges going up by five per cent.
Budget plans are being drawn up against a challenging economic backdrop, which has been impacted by soaring costs and high levels of inflation.
The seriousness of the situation has been laid bare in a report, which sets out a grim picture ahead of this week’s meeting.
It said: “The high levels of inflation have created a cost-of-living crisis for households, with many struggling to fund rapidly increasing energy and food costs within an environment of constrained wage growth in many sectors.
“Demands for increased wage growth have led to industrial relations issues and strikes in many areas, but most predominantly in the public sector.
“The year ahead is unfortunately unlikely to see much improved prospects over that experienced in 2022; but the degree of uncertainty remains high depending on several factors such as the war in Ukraine, the outcome of wage settlements, government support for households towards energy bills, and government spending and taxation decisions.”
SNP finance convener John Shaw is set to make a statement on behalf of the administration tomorrow morning, setting out its position, before opposition parties are given the opportunity to present counter-proposals.
An adjournment could then be ordered by Provost Lorraine Cameron, which would allow councillors to study spending and council tax plans, before a debate and subsequent vote is held in the chambers at Renfrewshire House.
The administration’s budget is expected to pass with the help of independent councillor Andy Doig, due to a confidence and supply agreement which was signed following the election in May.
In March of last year, spending of £466m was approved as SNP plans sailed through unopposed.
It has been estimated around £500m would be needed to maintain service levels, fulfil new responsibilities and address pressures in the coming year.
A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “Just like households, councils across Scotland are all facing hugely challenging financial circumstances.
“In Renfrewshire, the council has made significant savings of around £170m since 2010 and has a strong financial track record.
“This week councillors will put forward their budget proposals, making difficult choices and considering how we can work differently in the future while ensuring we protect public services and continue to support people with the cost of living.”
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