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Councils begin setting tax rates Councils begin setting tax rates
(10 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.
Local authorities have begun setting their bills as a series of meetings take place across the country.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 in Moray, which has agreed a 3.6% rise.One of the biggest rises could be in Moray, which has agreed a 3.6% rise.
That will see band D bills rise to £1,135.That will see band D bills rise to £1,135.
Orkney has agreed a 3% increase, which will see band D bills rise to £1,037.Orkney has agreed a 3% increase, which will see band D bills rise to £1,037.
Setting ratesSetting rates
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 has also approved a 3% rise, giving a band D bill of £1,049.
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.
On Wednesday, Falkirk Council 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.
Highland Council agreed a 2.5% increase, which will gave a band D figure of £1,163.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.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.