East Lothian councillors may agree to a 10% tax increase despite more funds. Further rises could follow for four years.
Some households will pay over £3 weekly extra. This affects more than a third of county homes, a council report explains their need for the tax increase. National government gave them more funding, but it isn’t enough.
The council faces big financial demands and needs to balance their budget. Council tax helps cover about a quarter of costs, so they use tax increases to balance things after factoring in savings and new funds.
A past survey asked residents about tax, finding that most preferred a small tax rise to service cuts. Sixty-one percent backed a rise under £3 each week.
An average Band D property will pay £3.76 more weekly. About 37% of homes are in higher tax bands, meaning these residents will pay over £3 extra weekly.
However, 2,671 high-band homes can get help, which lowers their weekly increase below £3. About 68% of homes see a rise less than £3 weekly.
The cross-party budget goes to councillors on February 18. Marie Sharp, a reporter, wrote this story.