Orkney council faces potential 15% tax hike after a close vote. Other Scottish councils are also considering increases.
Other areas are also raising council tax. Glasgow, Fife, and others did it last week. Shetland Islands approved a 10% increase; Western Isles likely will approve 8%.
What does this mean for average homes? Orkney could be £1,574.59 yearly. Shetland would be £1,387, and Western Isles might be £1,394.01. These prices are for “band D” properties.
The Orkney rise aims to get £1.7 million extra while they need to save £700,000. They will charge 10% more for some services, and new charges will also start for things, like telecare. Orkney might use £20 million from savings, which will help them maintain services.
Shetland’s deputy leader spoke about their rise, saying the 10% increase helps them financially. He said their council tax was the lowest in Scotland, even though officials wanted only a 5% rise there. Shetland still needs £36 million from savings to make their budget work.