Local authorities will meet this month to vote on council tax rises affecting their residents. The SNP Government has insisted they have provided a fair funding deal and council umbrella group COSLA is more content than in previous years.
But town hall bosses believe years of under-investment continue to hit services and big rises may be necessary.
This is in spite of First Minister John Swinney providing an extra £144m for councils to meet the costs of higher employer national insurance contributions imposed by the Labour Government.
Swinney has said the funding offered means feared council rises of 10% are not necessary. Here is what we know for some councils so far.
GLASGOW COUNCIL
Officials in the SNP-led administration are considering a 5% hike for 2025/26. Although such a jump would outstrip inflation, 5% is much lower compared to other local councils.
A council spokeswoman said: “Glasgow City Council will set its budget on 20th February. A range of options are being considered by Councillors and therefore it is too early to say what the agreed position on council tax will be.”
EDINBURGH COUNCIL
The Labour-led town hall is believed to be considering a rise of 8% to protect services. The council has made huge cuts in recent years and the local politicians are keen to limit further pressure on services.
Labour Councillor Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said: “While it appears that we can expect a slightly better government grant this year, the consequences of last year’s Scottish Government cuts to affordable housing remain clear to see. Huge pressures on health and social care remain unaddressed and, yet again, Edinburgh is expected to be the lowest funded local authority in Scotland per head of population. This year we’ll still need to find around £40m of best value and efficiency savings to keep the books balanced.
“Given the increasing need for investment in infrastructure and services, we’ll have to raise Council Tax, parking charges and other fees to fund the delivery of services we all rely on. That’s why we are considering a recommended 8% rise in Council tax.”
EAST LOTHIAN COUNCIL
This local authority is also run by Labour and politicians are mulling over a 10.6% rise. An East Lothian council spokesperson said: “The council’s budget is still in development. Decisions on the budget for 2025/26, including council tax levels, are expected to be confirmed at our budget-setting meeting, which is due to be held on 18 February.”
NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL
Labour took over the running of this council after the implosion of the SNP administration. In a council report, four scenarios are outlined, covering rises of 12.49%, 7.44%, 10% and 13.76%.
It is understood the town hall is considering a rise of between 9% and 11% to address a £14m funding gap. A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “No decision on council tax for next year has been taken. The council will meet on February 20 to set its budget, including council tax levels.”
WEST LOTHIAN COUNCIL
Reports have suggested this town hall is considering a rise of 5.8%, mirroring last year’s increase. That would add £6.73 a month, or £1.55 a week, to the bill for an average Band D property in the county.
SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL
The Labour-run local authority is considering a rise in the region of 5%.
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