This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Council tax levels for 2007-08
08/02/2007
The average council tax increase for this year will be the lowest since Devolution, it was announced today.
Around half of Scotland's councils have now confirmed their 2007-08 council tax levels. The emerging trend, based on figures announced so far and intelligence from councils, indicates the average council tax increase in Scotland will be around 1.8 per cent - significantly lower than last year's rise of 3.2 per cent.
Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform tom McCabe said:
"Councils have enjoyed unprecedented rises in funding since Devolution as grant to local government has increased by almost 58 per cent since 1999. Local authorities in Scotland will have well over £17 billion to spend on services this year.
"I have repeatedly urged Scottish local authorities to use these resources to exercise downward pressure on their council tax levels. I am delighted councils have risen to the challenge and responded.
"The average council tax rise in 2006-07 was the lowest since Devolution. Most local authorities in Scotland have now confirmed their council tax levels for next year will be even lower.
"There is no such thing as a popular tax, but councils are exercising downward pressure on rises - and I expect that to continue for the each of the next four years."
These figures reflect the latest position and are based on around half of all councils.