Highlands budget battlers rule out increase in Council Tax
As the Highland Council battles to save some £40 million, its leader has explained why a Council Tax rise is out of the question.
Councillor Margaret Davidson said: “The option to raise Council Tax in Highland has been taken away from us.
“We have been informed that if we raise Council Tax we will be fined not just the 3% we expected but also other sanctions will be applied around teacher numbers and funding for social care. Cumulatively that would mean a fine of £18 million.
Hence we cannot responsibly raise Council Tax.
“In common with other local authorities across Scotland we feel disappointed and powerless as a result of the Scottish Government’s stance.
“I regard this as a particular shame after years of good working relationships with the Scottish Government.
"I hope we can repair the rift in future, but it will require a reinstatement of respect and recognition of local government.
“Meanwhile, the Highland Council will continue with the now, even more difficult, task of delivering a balanced budget within the constraints that have been imposed on us.”
The decision will be taken on February 25.
Much more on this story in tomorrow’s Strathy.
