Council tax '” 3% rise likely

The special All Party Budget Working Group made up of councillors from each political persuasion, 
meets this week to set the new rate .

In a report to be put 
before councillors at the meeting on Thursday, February 15, council officers have recommended council tax be increased by three per cent.

On an average Band D property in East Dunbartonshuire, the council tax would increase from £1,176 to £1,211 – a rise of £35.

According to a council spokesperson, this would raise £1.8 million.

The council tax rise will be one measure taken by the council to deliver its required £19.7 million in 
savings for 2018/19.

This is up almost £8 million from last year, when 
savings to be made were 
£11.3 million.

The All Party Working Group was set up after the SNP minority administration quit in December in a row over cuts to redundancy terms for council staff, pushed through by the Lib Dem group, supported by the Tories, without consultation with unions.

The report by council officers states:” In setting out options for Council Tax rates the Council is required to ensure that the increase will provide sufficient money to meet the total estimated expenses of the Council to beincurred during 2018/19”.

It recommends the three per cent rise “to protect frontline services to customers”.

It also stated that “increasing the rates of council tax may serve to reduce workforce implications as this limits options to reduce or cease services.”

Council tax rose three per cent last year after a nine-year-long national freeze.