Freeze likely for Scottish council tax payers

SCOTLAND'S council tax payers can expect a freeze on the level of payments they will make this year.

By yesterday all but three of Scotland's 32 councils had confirmed that they will freeze rates for the third successive year, in line with the SNP Government policy. Angus, Shetland and Western Isles will set their rates next week.

Nationalist MSP Joe Fitzpatrick, a member of Holyrood's finance committee, welcomed the news.

He said: "Hard-pressed households across Scotland will welcome the news that councils across the country are to freeze the council tax. The SNP knows that as Scotland works its way out of recession families will welcome the extra pounds in their pocket.

"That is why we committed to freeze the council tax and give people a helping hand after years of rising bills under Labour."