Edinburgh Faces Council Tax Hike Amidst Budget Negotiations

Edinburgh Council will decide its budget soon. No party has enough votes alone, so they need to agree on a plan. The SNP wants to focus on education, roads, and housing. They think Labour’s ideas lack innovation, and aim to help children and communities.

The SNP wants to keep transition teachers’ funding secure and to use Covid relief funds for this. Holiday Hubs for families would also stay.

The Greens suggest big money for travel and housing. Third sector support is also key for them. They propose a large council tax increase: ten percent. Other councils consider similar rises too. Labour may partner with Tories and Lib Dems. Together, they have just enough votes.

Lib Dems prioritize education and road safety. They worry about cutting transition teachers too. They oppose Labour’s cuts to schools.

Saving these jobs is their condition for support. They want more money for road safety near schools. Parents also asked for safer roads.

The Conservatives want a lower council tax increase: seven percent. They suggest ending free tram travel for some to regain lost money. They want to reduce council-owned property quickly and seek ways to cut staff too. The Conservatives propose leaving Cosla.

Cosla helps councils work together and negotiates funding with the government. Conservatives say Edinburgh gets bad deals via Cosla.

Edinburgh may get the lowest funding per person, potentially only £2009.2 per person. This is 73.5% of the average funding. Labour councils left Cosla before, then rejoined.

Conservatives and Lib Dems filed “empty” budget changes. These changes can be filled if they reach a deal with Labour.