The final figures will be released by the Scottish Executive next week

The figure comes from a survey of local authorities ahead of next week's formal announcement.

The average increase is double the amount First Minister Jack McConnell said he expected. He has urged councils to stick to 2.5%.

However, only three local authorities are likely to do so. The Cosla survey found most councils were struggling to keep increases below 5%.

A 5% increase would mean the average home paying an extra �55 but six councils are expected to go higher than that.

Increasing costs

Local authorities blame increasing costs for care, fuel and waste removal.

The Scottish Executive said it had given councils enough money to limit increases.

However, the SNP has accused ministers of deception while the Tories said there was a black hole in council finances.

The final figures will be announced next week.

On Wednesday, MSPs refused to back plans to scrap the council tax and replace it with an income-based charge, brought forward by former Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan.

Bill dismissed

The Council Tax Abolition and Service Tax Introduction Bill suggested five bandings which would see those earning under �10,000 pay nothing while those on a salary of more than �90,000 would pay a 20% marginal rate.

However, it has failed to find support among other Holyrood parties and has been dismissed by Holyrood's cross-party local government committee.

The motion to support the general principles of Mr Sheridan's bill was defeated by 94 votes to 12 with six abstentions.

Despite parliamentary opposition, it has received support from several poverty and pensioner campaign groups, as well as Citizens Advice Scotland.