A 10% council tax increase has been confirmed in Argyll and Bute after the council’s ruling group’s budget motion prevailed by two votes.
An authority official had recommended an increase of just over 6% as part of the budget-setting process for 2024/25.
But the council’s ruling Argyll, Lomond and Islands Group (TALIG) – made up of Conservative, Liberal Democrat and some independent councillors – moved a 10% increase, which it had warned last month was a possibility.
An amendment by the Strategic Opposition Partnership – made up of SNP, Labour and some other independent councillors – would have seen council tax frozen, in line with first minister Humza Yousaf’s pledge at the SNP’s national conference in October.
In putting forward the TALIG budget motion today, council leader Robin Currie, said: “This is the most difficult budget this council has ever faced. The word ‘challenging’ is all too often used, but this council’s task goes far beyond that.
“We have taken the bold step of confirming the need to increase council tax by 10% as forecast, because without this, we would have no hope whatsoever of filling the massive £30m hole in our capital investment programme.
“This [capital investment programme] is the budget that covers roads, bridges, regenerational projects, keeping our schools going. This all helps to safeguard that, as well as jobs. Without this [the council tax increase] all of these would be at risk.
“This was a very hard decision, but those are also hard facts. It is a choice we have made after very careful consideration, not just because of the financial position, but because of the impact on households.”
Jim Lynch, the leader of the Strategic Opposition Group, said: “The people of Argyll and Bute continue to find themselves in difficult times, with the rising cost of fuel, electricity and inflation.
“Our priorities reflect the needs of people at this moment in time.
“Regarding the council tax freeze, at a time of price rises, this will help protect households and give them some stability.
“I know that we store our reserves, but we have to fight the fire that is in front of us.”
After a roll call vote among councillors, the TALIG budget motion was passed by 18 votes to 16.
But hey ho A&B councillors you carry on and get your 22% pay rise and don’t worry about the people who you represent. Having contacted members of the PPSL several times over the last month out of 15 members only 4 could be bothered to reply and one of those was an Out of Office. So next time they people come nocking on your door for votes just remember this.
I always thought elected councillors worked and represented us” The Public” however in A&B is doesn’t seem to be the case.
Just remember, one of the Tory councillors is hoping to be our next MP! Absolutely disgusting.