Scottish Borders Residents Face Ten Percent Council Tax Increase

Hey, guess what I just read? Council tax is going up by 10%! They decided this at a council meeting. The council tax in the area is pretty low now, so costs are harder to cover.

They will have a big funding gap in a few years and need to change a lot. The 10% increase means Band D properties pay £1491.72, which is about £135 more each year.

Band A properties pay around £994, while Band H properties will pay about £3654. This budget was the hardest in 30 years, as the economy is making things tough. Most members agreed on the budget changes.

One councilor said they protected services that matter and invested in the area. This investment will total around £300 million, helping schools and outdoor spaces.

They worry about employer insurance payments and want the government to help them pay. Savings are very hard to find now, so they said they must raise taxes to help people.

One councilor disagreed with the tax increase, saying it hurts those who can’t pay. Another called that opinion attention-seeking. They cut the Community Action Team, which helped with crime but was scrapped by the council. Last year, they could not raise tax on residences at all.