Four cent council tax rise agreed by Highland Council as leader says: 'We've tried to be fair'
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HIGHLAND Council tax payers are facing a four cent hike in what they're expected to fork out in the coming year.
The council set its budget for 2023/24 yesterday.
The council tax rise is described as "part of a package of investment and savings to address a £49.2m budget gap".
It kicks in from April 1.
At council tax Band D it is equivalent to an extra £1.06 per week.
It comes as householders face rising costs across the board.
Leader of the council, Raymond Bremner, spoke of the challenging financial context. He said: “We are facing a perfect storm of circumstances with inflation at the highest levels, rising interest rates and a cost of living crisis. This is confounded by uncertainty around future pressures and risks and a lack of clarity on ring-fenced funding.
“In setting this budget, we have tried to be fair. We have focused on removing duplication and over-provision and making sure our services are affordable."
He added, “We have carefully considered where we target our spending and have chosen to invest in improving our roads, reducing our waste, supporting children and families, and protecting jobs.”
Convener Bill Lobban said: “Everyone is affected by the cost of living crisis. We recognise the pressures on people across Highland and have therefore limited the Council Tax increase to the lowest we can at 4 per cent, despite higher rises elsewhere, in order to protect low-income families and those experiencing in-work poverty.
“This is a budget which, as much as possible protects jobs and services, has only been made possible due to the sound financial management of both the current and previous administration in building reserves for hard times such as this."
He added: “Although a budget has been agreed for the coming year, money in reserves can only be used once. Therefore, the task will begin immediately, building on our redesign and transformation work, to develop a sustainable budget for future years.”
Council tax charges for 2023/2024 will be published shortly at: https://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/download/525/council_tax_rates
Council Tax Reduction is available for those on low incomes and can reduce Council Tax by up to 100 per cent. For a Band D property this can be as much as £1,372.30, leaving only the Scottish Water and waste water charges to pay.
Households already in receipt of Council Tax Reduction will have their entitlement automatically recalculated and their 2023/24 council tax bill will be adjusted accordingly.
The households who are currently paying their council tax by direct debit do not need to cancel or change their existing payment amount as this will be updated automatically.
Chair of resources committee Derek Louden (Easter Ross) said: “There is help available for those struggling with rising costs and I would encourage those to check if they are entitled to any financial assistance – particularly Council Tax Reduction – in order to reduce bills and maximise household income. The council has a strong track record in supporting Highland householders to apply for financial assistance to in order to boost income for our citizens.”
