Scottish Borders Council approved a 10% council tax increase, defying government requests for smaller rises.
The Tory-led council ignored John Swinney’s request. He wanted smaller increases from councils. The First Minister thought 10% was too much.
Humza Yousaf’s government froze rates last year. The SNP often froze council tax. Councils claim this hurt local services. The SNP pledged to reform the levy recently. They promised to scrap it 18 years ago!
Many councils set their rates on Thursday. Glasgow, Fife, and Edinburgh met to discuss budgets. North Lanarkshire also planned its council tax. Fife then confirmed an 8.2% rise.
East Lothian voted for a 10% hike on Tuesday. It was the first council to do so. The Labour council said it needed to maintain services.
The Scottish Government lifted the freeze. Swinney cautioned against big increases after this. He said his budget helps councils and thinks big increases are unnecessary.
Swinney felt a 10% rise was too high. Humza Yousaf announced the tax freeze in 2023. Swinney confirmed its end at a recent budget.
Swinney discussed his council funding deal. He believes council leaders are happy. He said they admitted it privately and that tax increases do not need to be as high.