Scots could face council tax hike as SNP Government freeze ends

Scots could be facing a potential council tax hike now that the SNP Government’s freeze has come to an end. During the Scottish Budget announcement on Wednesday, SNP Finance Secretary Shona Robison advised local authorities against raising their rates. Last year, a sudden council tax freeze was announced, causing discontent among local councils dealing with rising inflation pressures. However, this year Shona Robison revealed a significant increase in funding for local authorities and cautioned against substantial tax increases. She stated, “In 2025-26, the Scottish Government will boost local authority funding by over £1 billion, bringing their total funding to more than £15 billion, including £289 million to maintain real-terms protection for the general revenue grant. While councils will have autonomy over their decisions with the increased funding, there is no justification for large council tax rises next year.”

The announcement comes amidst ongoing debates and challenges surrounding public spending and services in Scotland. The ending of the council tax freeze signals a shift in financial policies that may impact households across the country. As discussions continue on the implications of the budget decisions, local authorities and residents will be closely monitoring any changes in council tax rates in the coming year.

Overall, the conclusion of the council tax freeze by the SNP Government signifies a potential shift in financial dynamics for Scottish residents. With increased funding for local authorities, the focus now turns to how these resources will be managed and if council tax rates will indeed rise in the upcoming year. Residents and local councils alike will need to navigate these changes in the financial landscape and adapt to any potential adjustments in their council tax bills.