Council Asked To Consider 4.5% Council Tax Rise

Highland Councillors will be asked to approve a rise of £49 at Band D, a 4.5 % increase, when it meets on Thursday (9 February) to set the Council Tax for 2006-2007. In setting a budget of £488 million, the Council is asked to agree the following charges in 2006-2007: -

A £756.67; B £882.78; C £1,008.89; D £1,135; E £1,387.22; F £1,639.44; G £1,891.67 H £2,270.

The Council is also being asked to confirm that an increase in council house rent in the new financial year should be contained to the Retail Price Index plus 1 % i.e.3.4%. The average rent increase in 2006-2007 will be £1.86 per week, increasing the current weekly average rent to £55.64 (over 48 weeks).