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/7243866.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Local authorities 'to freeze tax' | Local authorities 'to freeze tax' |
(1 day later) | |
Councils across Scotland have been meeting to set their council tax bills for the coming year. | |
The Scottish Government struck a deal with local authorities which would see them receive extra cash if they agreed not to raise council tax charges. | The Scottish Government struck a deal with local authorities which would see them receive extra cash if they agreed not to raise council tax charges. |
Some councils approved their budgets earlier this week, with the majority holding their meetings on Thursday. | |
The remaining councils will set their bills next week. All are expected to confirm a council tax freeze. | |
Glasgow, Falkirk and Shetland were among the councils which met earlier this week to approve their budgets. | |
Those who confirmed a council tax freeze on Thursday included Scottish Borders, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney, East Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire. | |
'Swathe of cuts' | |
Although council tax bills will remain the same, the water charge, which is also included on the same bill, will rise. | |
The charges for water and sewerage, levied by Scottish Water, are to increase by 3.74%. | The charges for water and sewerage, levied by Scottish Water, are to increase by 3.74%. |
On Wednesday, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) dismissed claims that a council tax freeze in 2008-09 would lead to cuts to voluntary bodies. | On Wednesday, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) dismissed claims that a council tax freeze in 2008-09 would lead to cuts to voluntary bodies. |
The Scottish Labour leader, Wendy Alexander, had warned of a "swathe of cuts" to organisations across Scotland. | The Scottish Labour leader, Wendy Alexander, had warned of a "swathe of cuts" to organisations across Scotland. |
But Cosla president, Pat Watters, said the financial settlement agreed with the Scottish Government was tight, but he stressed that services were not being cut. | But Cosla president, Pat Watters, said the financial settlement agreed with the Scottish Government was tight, but he stressed that services were not being cut. |
Previous version
1
Next version