Midlothian councillors are poised to approve a 10% council tax rise to address a significant budget shortfall.
Future increases are also suggested. They propose a 9% increase next year. The year after that, they suggest 8%. The council meets on Tuesday.
They will vote on the council tax hike. Band D council tax will then cost £1,666.20. Currently, it costs £1,514.73. East Lothian raised its tax by 10%.
They were the first in Scotland to do so. The Scottish Government lifted a previous freeze. Now, councils set their charges.
Midlothian faces a £10 million budget gap. That’s if tax stays at a 5% increase. A 10% rise could reduce the gap to just over £4 million.
The council must balance its budget. They are reducing costs and raising fees. Council tax seems to be the only option left. Without it, cuts would be very difficult. Reserves will cover the remaining gap.
This is after service cuts and new fees. New fees could be approved next week. Contractors will pay to turn on traffic lights. Bedbug and cockroach fees will increase too.
Animal boarding fees will also rise. A one-stop shop pilot might start at Gorebridge. It will be a community hub in the leisure center. Library services and meeting rooms will be included.
Councillors will discuss income ideas as well. They want a Ringo service for on-street parking. Vogrie Country Park could have more commercial options.
Finding savings for 2025/26 is still underway. They haven’t developed enough savings yet. Business plans will be created to find more savings. The timing will become clearer later.