This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/6340883.stm

The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Householders prepare for tax news Councils begin setting tax rates
(30 minutes later)
Residents across Scotland could be facing the lowest average council tax increase since the creation of the Scottish Parliament, analysts believe.Residents across Scotland could be facing the lowest average council tax increase since the creation of the Scottish Parliament, analysts believe.
The biggest factor in below-inflation rises is likely to be May's looming local elections. Local authorities have begun setting their bills as a series of meetings take place across the country.
The average rise last year was 3.2%, but a figure of 2.5% is expected and that would mean the tax on an average Band D property would increase by £28.The average rise last year was 3.2%, but a figure of 2.5% is expected and that would mean the tax on an average Band D property would increase by £28.
One of the biggest rises could be Shetland where 3% has been proposed. One of the biggest rises could be in Orkney, which has agreed a 3% increase.
That will see band D bills rise to £1,037.
Dumfries and Galloway could also opt for 3%, however the small Labour minority will need to rely on the vote of Conservative councillors to get its way.Dumfries and Galloway could also opt for 3%, however the small Labour minority will need to rely on the vote of Conservative councillors to get its way.
'Funding pressure' Setting rates
Glasgow City Council has announced a freeze for the second year running. However, the city still has the highest Band D council tax in Scotland.Glasgow City Council has announced a freeze for the second year running. However, the city still has the highest Band D council tax in Scotland.
Falkirk Council has agreed a council tax rise of 2.4% for 2007-08. On Wednesday, Falkirk Council agreed a council tax rise of 2.4% for 2007-08.
The move means Band D council tax will be set at £1,070 for the coming year, an increase of £25.The move means Band D council tax will be set at £1,070 for the coming year, an increase of £25.
The authority, which also approved average council rent rises of 2.5%, said it was under "enormous funding pressure". Highland Council agreed a 2.5% increase, which will gave a band D figure of £1,163.
A rise of 1.9% in Renfrewshire Council will see band D bills increase to £1,165 a year, while a 1.5% increase in Edinburgh will mean band D bills of £1,169.