Argyll and Bute Council Tax freeze – what you need to know

A second set of Council Tax bills now looks set to be issued across Argyll and Bute, in an almost unprecedented situation.

Earlier this month thousands of bills were sent to households across the area showing a 10% increase on the previous year, after councillors defied First Minister Humza Yousaf’s pledge of a council tax freeze.

But now the authority’s leadership says it has been promised extra funding worth millions of pounds, so will freeze council tax after all.

That will mean a special meeting has to be held for all councillors however – which could happen after the first payments are due.

Here is what you need to know:

When will the council decide about the council tax?

That has still not been decided. A special meeting is being arranged for ‘as soon as is practical’- it seems certain that a majority will then vote for the freeze, but that cannot be guaranteed. The council is led by a coalition of Conservatives, Lib Dems and independents, with the SNP, Labour and other independents in opposition.  The balance of power is narrow at the best of times. Note: Since publication of this article a special meeting has been called for next Monday, March 25, though the Council Tax freeze is not currently on the agenda.

What does this mean for council tax payments?

The council says that by law it has to take the council tax payments that are due on April 1 and these payments will be based on the 10% council tax increase amount.

If the council subsequently decides to freeze the council tax, this will be backdated and applied on April 1. The extra paid on any council tax payments based on the 10% increase will be taken off the bill for the rest of the year.

If the council tax is frozen, how will I know what my council tax payments are?

The council will issue new bills setting out the new cost, adjusted to include the freeze, any overpayments made, as well as any exemptions or discounts.

What do residents need to do now?

The council is asking everyone to make council tax payments as set out in their bill. If the council freezes the council tax, they will contact you directly with information about your new bill.