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Council tax rise of 7% proposed for Highland households

Chris MacLennanBBC Scotland News
News imageGetty Images An aerial shot showing blue water in front of a village with a green and brown hill in the background. Yellow gorse bushes fill the left hand side of the hillside, with several houses and buildings in front of a rocky shoreline. Getty Images
Part of the proposed increase would go towards a plan to improve roads and schools

Councillors have been asked to agree to a 7% increase in Highland council tax bills.

It would see the annual cost for an average band D property rise by £106.90 to £1,633.99.

Of the increase, 5% would go towards core services with the remaining 2% to be used for improving roads and schools.

Highland Council said the proposals would deliver a balanced budget without the need for the use of reserves.

News imageRaymond Bremner is wearing a grey suit with a red patterned tie and a purple lanyard. He is standing in front of a blurred-out background that includes houses and trees.
Raymond Bremner said the council did not want to lose key services for communities

The proposed 7% rise is the same as last year's figure but more than double the rate of inflation.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said inflation in January stood at 3% - the lowest rate since March last year.

Council leader Raymond Bremner said the local authority was under pressure, but did not want to lose key services for communities.

He said: "We try and absolutely keep our council tax rises to a minimum.

"In the future, we will look at other ways that we can try and keep the council tax rise to a minimum."

Councillors are due to vote on the proposals next Thursday.

If voted through, the new rate would take effect from 1 April.