Council tax rise of 8.5% agreed for the Western Isles

A council tax increase of 8.5% has been approved for households in the Western Isles.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar had originally proposed increasing bills by 9.5%, but the local authority's policy and resources committee had earlier backed the lower figure.

The rise will see the bill for an average band D property fixed at £1,505.50 - up from £1,387.56.

The local authority said it was facing a shortfall of £4.49m in its budget for the financial year ahead.

An amendment by members of the SNP group suggested a 7.5% council tax rise, but councillors voted 15 to 13 for 8.5%.