Midlothian council has become the first Scottish local authority to increase council tax following a 10-year freeze.
A council tax rise of 3% from this April was agreed at a council meeting last Tuesday, which will push the average Band D bill up by £36 to £1,246.
The rise is the first since 2006, following the Scottish Government’s decision to end the council tax freeze - a move they argued would generate an extra £100m.
‘Given that we have been able to keep council tax levels frozen for so long, and despite the fact that those on the lowest incomes will be able to get help in meeting the costs, it was not an easy decision to increase charges,’ said Cllr Johnstone.
‘However the additional income will help us maintain community facilities, local services and our support to local groups.’
