Scottish Council Tax Rises 2023/24: Here are the 10 cheapest Band D council tax rates in Scotland - from Shetland to Fife
In 2021 it was announced by Finance Secretary (and prospective First Minister) Kate Forbes that the SNP’s freeze on council tax rises – enforced since 2007 – would be coming to an end.
It gave the green light to cash-strapped local authorities to raise more money from residents to plug holes in their ever-diminishing budgets.
This year will see substantial rises across Scotland, adding further to the misery of the cost of living crisis.
Most councils have agreed on a rise of around 5 per cent, including both Edinburgh and Glasgow, with others opting for increases of between 3.9 per cent and 10 per cent.
It means bigger bills for those across all the council tax bands – with the average Scot paying Band D rates.
So, here are the 10 cheapest areas to live in when it comes to a Band D council tax bill (actual bills will be higher as they will include water and sewerage charges) and how much you’ll be paying.
This year will see substantial rises across Scotland, adding further to the misery of the cost of living crisis.
5. North Lanarkshire
Band D property residents in Kilsyth (pictured) and across North Lanarkshire will pay £1,320.78 council tax this year following a 5 per cent hike. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. b25lY21zOjM3ZTVjMDQyLTM5MjYtNGJiNy04ZTA0LWU1MjBhYWY0MzQyMjpjZDY4MGE3OS05NmNlLTQwZTItOGU5Yy02ZDk3NTk4MTc1ODU= (1).jpg
Band D council tax bills in Dumfries and Galloway are going up by 6 per cent to £1,334.85. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Borders
Band D residents in the beautiful Scottish Borders will see their council tax bill rise by 5 per cent to £1,356.11. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Falkirk
With a 7 per cent rise in council tax, Falkirk residents have the second biggest hike in Scotland. They still get decent value for money though compared to other local authority areas, with a Band D bill coming in at £1,363.82. Photo: Canva/Getty Images