Administration Confirms Intention to Freeze Council Tax

The Highland Council’s Administration has confirmed its intention to freeze the Council Tax in 2008-9 at the 2007-8 level.

Vice-Convener Jean Urquhart, who is chairman of the Budget Working Group, told the Council the grant settlement from the Scottish Government is tighter than in recent years but stressed it afforded the Council the flexibility to target funds at Council priorities and Government outcomes.

A requirement to find 2% efficiency savings would be met and the savings redirected into providing essential frontline services.

She said: “The Council is committed to making the best use of the grant settlement from the Scottish Government and intends to deliver a zero per centage increase in  Council Tax in 2008-9.”

The budget will be progressed by the Budget Working Group and the Council Tax is due to be set at a special Council meeting on 14 February, next year.