Edinburgh confirms an 8% council tax rise despite government warnings to limit increases.
This increase is bigger than inflation, but last year’s freeze makes it less surprising. Also, some councils are raising taxes higher. Many councils set tax rates Thursday for next year.
Glasgow, Fife, and others are deciding their budgets and must finalize council tax plans for 2025-26. East Lothian voted for a ten percent rise on Tuesday, becoming the first Scottish council to do it. East Lothian leaders also said they needed the rise to maintain services.
The Scottish Government ended the council tax freeze. However, Swinney cautioned against large increases, saying the government’s budget helps councils and big tax hikes are not needed now.
When asked about a ten percent rise, Swinney said it seemed too high and he honestly did not think it was necessary. Humza Yousaf announced the tax freeze in 2023, and Swinney confirmed it ended in the recent budget.
Swinney discussed his funding deal for councils recently, suggesting most council leaders thought the deal was better than expected. He believes council tax increases should be lower.