Scots Slam Council Tax Hikes; Demand Focus on Local Priorities Now

Scots are upset about rising council taxes. It is the biggest increase in 20 years. Councils raised rates at least 7.5 percent, despite John Swinney’s desire for smaller increases; they ignored him.

Glasgow’s SNP and Green councillors raised taxes 7.5 percent. This was done to fix a £7.9 million funding gap. Edinburgh’s Labour party worked with Lib Dems to approve an 8 percent increase. The Borders and North Lanarkshire raised taxes 10 percent.

Fife’s council tax went up 8.2 percent. People worry about how this will affect them. They want more transparency from councils regarding how the money is being spent.

Christine McMillan wants to know where the money is going. She feels it is not managed well, and that services like roads and libraries need funding. She wants local people involved in the decision-making process.

June Whitelaw wants to see improvements, stating that prices are rising, but services are not. Bin collections are less frequent, and streets have more rubbish than before. She wants clean streets and fixed roads.

Iain Collins is concerned about council spending and is surprised by low budgets for roads. He thinks fixing roads should be a priority. People need to see the money’s benefit in tangible ways.

Tayna Oliver is in favor of tax hikes. She believes that because services are declining, and overall costs are increasing, it is time for increases. She wants the money put back into local services.

Lorraine Still is worried about the impact on people. Taxes are going up as much as 10 percent, and because people already struggle, this will make it worse. She wonders where the money goes and feels elderly and disabled care should be priorities.

Cherie Jardine thinks the tax band system is bad, explaining that she pays more than her neighbors do. The system needs to be restructured because she feels she already pays too much. John Kerr thinks this is another tax on Scots as it takes more money from people who are already struggling, deeming it ridiculous.

Glasgow’s Band A properties will rise £74.95, while Band H properties will increase £275.44 per year. Edinburgh’s Band A will rise £77.21 and Band H will increase £283.75. More councils will confirm rates soon.