Argyll and Bute WILL raise council tax by almost 5 per cent

Deputy council leader Councillor Gary Mulvaney confirmed the news on Tuesday, February 19 in a joint statement released with leader Councillor Aileen Morton on behalf of the authority’s ruling administration of independent, Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors.

The statement was issued two days before Argyll and Bute Council finalises its budget for the coming financial year at a meeting at the authority's Lochgilphead HQ.

The tax rise will not be officially ratified until a vote at Thursday's budget meeting, but with more than enough members to secure a majority, the administration's backing for the maximum increase means it is certain to be voted through.

However, the administration's statement does not say which, if any, of the service areas where spending cuts could be made might be spared the axe.

A number of services, including school lollipop crossing patrols, the road safety unit and youth and adult learning services, are all under scrutiny.

Councillor Mulvaney said:  “This year’s Scottish Government budget breaks a long-standing SNP manifesto commitment about maintaining council tax levels.

“Faced with a choice between slashing a vital service like social care or increasing council tax, we’ve decided to go along with SNP guidance and increase council tax by 4.79 per cent.”

The council tax increase will see householders in a property valued at Band D for council tax purposes – the middle of the valuation scale – facing a bill of £1,308.33, plus water and sewerage charges.

Meanwhile, Councillor Morton highlighted the demands of delivering a responsible budget to safeguard core council services – and stated that it means making tough choices now.

She also stated that due to additional funding being available in 2018/19, it will be tougher to invest in roads across the area over the coming financial year.

Councillor Morton said: “Our core funding has been reduced by a further £3million this year.

“This means that we, like all Scottish councils, have had to look at some very difficult proposals this year, with a shortfall of almost £8m to consider and very significant budget gaps forecast for the next two years too.

“We also need to balance delivering a responsible budget with keeping Argyll and Bute a great place to live, work and visit.

“Last year due to careful financial management we were able to make significant capital investment in roads across Argyll and Bute.

“As that investment continues into this year, we will consider other ways to prioritise keeping Argyll and Bute’s roads safe and open for business.”

In compiling the council’s budget pack for last week’s meeting of the policy and resources committee, head of strategic finance Kirsty Flanagan had highlighted the potential council tax increase.

She said in the pack: “In light of the estimated reduction in the Scottish Government funding together with cost increases in respect of pay, inflation and other pressures, I have assumed that the council would wish to increase the council tax by 4.79 per cent, however, this is a matter for council to decide.

“In terms of the future years, I have assumed no increase in the worst case scenario, a three per cent increase in the mid-range scenario and a 4.79 per cent increase in the best case scenario.”