More local authorities confirm above-inflation council tax rises

Two more Scottish local authorities have confirmed above-inflation increases in council tax next year, as council leaders said they are necessary to maintain essential public services.

Fife and Glasgow are the latest councils to confirm increases in 25/26. Bills will rise by 8.2% in Fife and 7.5% in Glasgow.

The news follows announcements by both Scottish Borders Council and East Lothian Council that their residents will see bills go up by 10% next year.

Other councils are expected to impose similar increases, with a 10% rise being mooted in North Lanarkshire and an 8% increase expected in Edinburgh.

We have to strike a balance between making savings, raising council tax and continuing essential investment in our services for local people

The move comes as the nationwide freezing of council tax rates, introduced by former first minister Humza Yousaf, comes to an end.

Fife council leader David Ross said the increase would help fund “much-needed” investment in roads and health and social care, and to bridge a “budget gap” of £5 million.

“We have to strike a balance between making savings, raising council tax and continuing essential investment in our services for local people,” he said.

He added: “The challenging financial landscape and the fact that we had to freeze council tax last year meant this year we were considering council tax increases of almost 10%.

“However, recognising the impact this would have on Fifers, with some careful financial management we have brought this down to 8.2% for this financial year with potential rises of 5% for the next two years.”

We are very concerned at the impact these rises will have on people already struggling with the cost of living

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) warned the changes would result in about two million people having an increase in their council tax bills next year.

Myles Fitt, CAS financial health spokesman, said: “We are very concerned at the impact these rises will have on people already struggling with the cost of living.

“Council tax debt is the single biggest debt the Scottish Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) network deals with each year and our fear is these rises could further increase numbers of people falling into debt or falling further into debt.

“We urge councils to do everything they can to raise awareness of the various council tax reductions that are available so that those that are eligible to pay less have that opportunity in the face of these rises.

“Anyone with council tax debt problems can get free, confidential and impartial support from their local CAB or from our website www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/

“It’s important to seek help as early as possible if you think you will have difficulty paying. We’re here to help.”

The Institute for Fiscal Studies said bills will need to increase by almost a fifth (18%-19%) if local authorities in Scotland are to keep pace with increases in local government funding in England.