‘Unfair’ council tax rise disparity revealed

20 Apr 2018

Huge disparities have been revealed across Scotland as part of this year’s SNP council tax rises.

Official statistics have shown the average household will pay £37 more in 2018/19 in comparison to last year.

However, a postcode lottery has also emerged between local authorities.

The average household in Argyll and Bute will pay £95 more this year, where-as in neighbouring West Dunbartonshire the increase is only £18.

The Scottish Conservatives added that the hikes will wipe out any saving the SNP claims will arrive as a result of tax changes for some low-income households.

And it will re-inforce Scotland’s position as the highest-taxed part of the UK, the party’s local government spokesman Alexander Stewart said.

Other notable increases from last year will occur in Edinburgh, where the average bill will jump from £1217 to £1275, and in East Renfrewshire where the additional annual burden will be £54.

In contrast, council tax in Aberdeen is reducing by £6 a year, and only rising by £23 in the Western Isles.

Scottish Conservative local government spokesman Alexander Stewart said:

“Householders in certain parts of Scotland will be absolutely furious at this postcode lottery.

“It’s patently unfair that the average bill in some parts of the country is going up by almost £100, while in others there is little change.

“This is what happens when the SNP government slashes local government funding to the bone – it forces councils to get the money from elsewhere.

“Scotland is now far-and-away the highest-taxed part of the UK, and the geographical disparity in council tax increases is rubbing salt in that particular wound.”