PEOPLE LIVING IN FORRES will be most affected by the hike in Council Tax resulting from both the Scottish Government decision to increase some rates and everyone having to pay at least 3% extra.
Regional MSP Douglas Ross has pointed the finger firmly in the direction of the SNP Scottish Government over what he has described as a ‘council tax grab’.
Mr Ross has highlighted the effect of the increases throughout Moray and the Highlands, pointing to the 8283 households in Moray that between them will pay an additional £1.45million – and these figures are calculated before the additional 3% is added.
Forres, according to the figures released by the Tories, is the area in Moray where most affected homes are located.
“Having been a councillor for 10 years I know people are willing to pay a little more in council tax to maintain local services,” the MSP and sitting Moray councillor said.
He added: “However, it is clear that the SNP is now making Scotland the highest taxed part of the UK – while cutting the amount they give to local authorities. People in Moray and the Highlands are paying more to receive less.”
However, a Scottish Government spokesman hit back, saying that the decision to increase, freeze or even reduce council tax was a matter for local authorities.
He added: “The freeze instigated by this administration has saved the average Band D household around £1500 in total.”