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Council tax relief
20/02/2009
News that 31 of Scotland's 32 local authorities have now frozen council tax for a further year has been welcomed by the Finance Secretary John Swinney.
This follows the decisions of Angus, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Stirling - with Clackmannanshire expected to set its rate in early March.
Mr Swinney said:
"This is excellent news for families right across Scotland. In these tough economic times, the Scottish Government is doing all it can to help families and households, as we deliver our six-point economic recovery plan.
"Our decision to put in place the resources for a second successive council tax freeze is helping put money back into people's pockets - easing the stress on families feeling the effects of the economic downturn.
"Councils the length and breadth of Scotland have now decided to freeze the council tax again in the next financial year - a move I believe will be widely welcomed.
"The Scottish Government will not stop there - we will fund a freeze for the duration of this Parliament, working with our partners in local government to help people struggling with their finances in these tough times.
"This is a demonstration of how our stronger and more productive relationship with local government is working for the benefit of Scotland.
"Every council which freezes council tax receives a share of the £70 million set aside by the Scottish Government to fund it."
The remaining authority, Clackmannanshire Council, is expected to set its budget in early March.