19.02.08
Council Tax freeze in Scotland
Finance Secretary John Swinney today welcomed the decision by a number of councils across Scotland to freeze Council Tax.
The decisions came as local authorities set their budgets for 2008-09 and builds on the seven councils who have already confirmed that they will be freezing their Council Tax at 2007-08 levels.
Several other councils met today - but official confirmation of their decision is not available. The remaining councils are expected to set Council Tax next Thursday.
Mr Swinney said:
"This is welcome news for taxpayers across Scotland who have borne unacceptable and punishing rises in the council tax over recent years.
"For too long, the day when their council tax is set has been a major concern for all those who have to pay this unfair tax.
"Last week the Scottish Government confirmed a package of funding worth £11.2 billion for local government in 2008-09, which includes resources to fund a council tax freeze - and householders across the country will reap the benefits today.
"Sceptics said it wouldn't happen, but our new, more productive relationship with local authorities is proving them wrong.
"We have given local government the opportunity to deliver the services their constituents deserve by providing record funding and giving councils more freedom to spend their money to meet local needs and deliver national priorities.
"For the first time local authorities will also be allowed to retain all their efficiency savings. These savings, plus the reductions in bureaucracy, including the reduction in the number of ring-fenced grants, will mean that local authorities will have more money to spend on front-line services.
"And I am delighted so many councils have frozen council tax today - I hope the remainder of the 32 local authorities across Scotland will join them soon.
"In the longer term, this Government is committed to abolishing council tax altogether and replacing it with a fairer system based on ability to pay."
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