Local MSP Craig Hoy has blasted “jaw dropping” proposals from the SNP which would see thousands of East Lothian residents facing soaring council tax bills.
The proposals drawn up for SNP ministers would reform Council Tax, including a plan to introduce a 14 band system which would severely impact residents in larger and more expensive homes regardless of their income.
The plan to hike council tax was developed by the SNP Government and COSLA, with the work being led by the SNP’s Katie Hagmann.
Speaking about the potential for explosive tax rises, Mr Hoy said: “These proposals could see residents in East Lothian clobbered with yet another jaw-dropping tax hike. That appears to be the SNP’s only answer to try and fill the black hole they are responsible for creating in Scotland’s finances. The last thing residents here need is the prospect of another giant rise in council tax looming over them.”
The plans propose a council tax revaluation and the number of bands to be increased, which would see those living in the largest homes facing an annual bill increasing from £3,780 to £6,515 if the 14-band system was chosen, which would equate to what Mr Hoy describes as a “staggering” 72 per cent increase.
Mr Hoy added: “People in East Lothian are sick and tired of paying more but getting less in return when it comes to vital local services. The SNP have had nearly 19 years to sort out Council Tax after promising to do so before they were first elected, but instead they have only reverted to endless consultations on the subject.”
Mr Hoy is encouraging East Lothian residents to make their opposition to the proposals to hike Council Tax known by responding to the official consultation here: https://consult.gov.scot/local-government-and-communities/the-future-of-council-tax-in-scotland/