Big Council Tax Rise of up to 11 Percent Considered in North Lanarkshire

Hey, guess what’s happening with North Lanarkshire’s council tax? They might raise it a lot. We are talking up to 11%! This is to fix a big money problem for the council.

The Scottish government doesn’t want them to raise it that much. They are setting the tax this month. North Lanarkshire votes on Feb 20.

Local leaders think the funding from the government is better this year. Yet, they say councils still need more cash. They claim there has been under-investment for years.

North Lanarkshire has low taxes now. They have some options for rises, covering a 12.49%, 7.44%, 10%, and 13.76% rise.

They might raise taxes between 9% and 11%. This fixes a £14 million funding gap. An 11% rise adds £145 to a Band D bill, which is currently £1320.78.

The government gave councils £144 million. This helps cover national insurance rises. But, a council insider said it won’t help that much.

East Lothian might raise it 10.6% and Edinburgh is considering 8%. Swinney said big rises aren’t needed. When asked about a 10% rise, he said it was too high and unnecessary.

The council said they haven’t decided anything yet. They will vote on Feb 20. This will set the budget and tax levels.