Moray Council Approves 10% Tax Increase
Councillors in Moray have approved a council tax increase of 10%, marking a double-digit rise for residents. This increase was recommended by officials prior to the budget meeting held in Elgin.
The council voted 16-7 in favor of the proposals, which included £4.5 million in savings, most of which had already been agreed upon. As a result, residents living in a band D property will see their council tax bill rise to just over £1,731.
Shetland Council Tax to Increase by 7.3%
In Shetland, council tax is set to rise by 7.3%. The Shetland Council leader Emma Macdonald initially proposed a 5.3% increase but was defeated in a vote by 13 to four. Instead, members supported deputy leader Gary Robinson's argument that the island authority needs to work toward a more balanced budget.
Political Group Positions on Moray Tax Rise
Labour councillors in Moray also proposed a 10% increase. The largest opposition group, the SNP, advocated for a 9.3% rise, stating it would save residents approximately £2 million over two years.
Officials warned that a 1% reduction from the recommended 10% rise would necessitate additional cuts amounting to £575,000.
The SNP group suggested a slightly lower increase combined with raising income by utilizing the council's powers to impose a levy on second homes and empty properties.
Labour Amendment and Additional Proposals
In their defeated amendment, Labour councillors supported a 10% rise and also called for reductions in parking charges in Elgin town centre. They proposed establishing a new civic pride fund aimed at improving the cleanliness of Moray's streets.
"They said that could have been paid for by cutting councillors' expenses."
