A council tax freeze will be delivered in all of Scotland's local
authorities after Argyll & Bute became the final
council to accept Scottish Government funding to keep rates
at last year's levels.
As a result, council taxpayers in all but one of Scotland's
council areas will not pay any more for their bills than they did
in 2023-24. Households in Inverclyde will receive a planned
one-off rebate in May to reverse the impact of their 8.2%
increase in council tax.
Deputy First Minister said:
“We know many households continue to struggle with the impact of
rising prices, and this council tax freeze – funded by the
Scottish Government – is just one of many ways that we're
offering support. Council tax is already lower in Scotland than
elsewhere in the UK, and over two million households will now
benefit from this freeze.
“We deeply value the role local authorities play in Scotland's
communities, which is why – in the face of a profoundly
challenging financial situation – we have made available record
funding of more than £14 billion to councils in 2024-25, a
real-terms increase of 2.5% compared with the previous year.”
Background
The Scottish Government allocated £147 million for local
authorities who agreed a council tax freeze. The Deputy First
Minister also confirmed to COSLA and Council Leaders a further
£62.7 million to councils freezing council tax which comprises:
- £45 million in consequentials resulting from the recent
announcement on ring-fenced Adult Social Care funding in England
- A £17.7 million increase to the local government General
Revenue Grant
The Islands Cost of Living fund will also be increased by £4
million.
