Scottish Council Tax: Areas Facing Potential Increases Listed

Local councils will vote on council tax soon. These changes will affect residents directly. The SNP thinks they gave enough money, and COSLA, the council group, agrees more than before. However, councils feel they still lack funds.

They say years of cuts hurt services, and big tax increases might become necessary now. John Swinney gave councils £144m extra to cover higher national insurance costs, which Labour’s government originally made.

Swinney says a 10% tax rise is not needed. Here’s what some Scottish councils plan so far. Glasgow considers a 5% council tax increase for the year 2025/26. It’s less than other councils plan to raise, and Glasgow sets its budget on February 20.

Edinburgh might raise council tax by 8%. This aims to protect vital services because Edinburgh faces big budget cuts already and they want to ease the pressure.

East Lothian council could raise taxes by 10.6%. They are still working on their budget, and officials will confirm it on February 18. North Lanarkshire might raise taxes by 9-11% as they have a £14m funding gap. The council sets its budget on February 20, but no decision has been made yet.

West Lothian might raise taxes by 5.8%, like last year’s increase. It would add about £6.73 monthly for Band D homes. South Lanarkshire plans a rise around the 5% mark.