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Council tax freeze for third year
18/02/2010
John Swinney today welcomed news that all of Scotland's 32 councils have agreed to a council tax freeze for the third year running.
The Finance Secretary said:
"These tough economic times are being felt by families right across Scotland. Freezing council tax for a third year will help ease financial stress in households struggling with their finances.
"I welcome the continued commitment of our partners in local government to ensuring there is no increase - a clear demonstration of the more productive relationship we have forged with councils, which is delivering real benefits for the people of Scotland.
"Putting money back into people's pockets in this way has the added benefit of boosting spending in local economies, helping to support jobs and business.
"The Scottish Government will continue to do all we can, building on our Economic Recovery Plan, to position Scotland's economy for a strong recovery and help households through this recession."
The council tax freeze is fully funded by the Scottish Government, which is providing each council with a share of £70 million in 2010/11 to support the move.
It was confirmed today that Western Isles Council had followed Scotland's 31 other local authorities with a further council tax freeze.