Highland Council Agrees 4.5% Council Tax Rise

Highland Councillors today approved a rise of £49 at Band D for the Council Tax. This represents a 4.5 % increase on last year’s figures. In setting a budget of £488 million, the Council agreed 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.

Councillors decided not to set an indicative tax increase for 2007-8. They agreed instead that Convener Alison Magee should seek a meeting with Finance Minister Tom McCabe to highlight the special challenges and high costs that face a council which delivers essential services to a rural and sparsely populated area.

The Council has also confirmed that an increase in council house rent in the new financial year should be contained at the Retail Price Index plus 1 % ie 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).