Responding to today’s confirmation that council tax bills in Orkney are to rise by 15%, as of the 6th March making it the highest increase in Scotland, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
“I am disappointed councillors have decided to go ahead with raising council tax by 15% despite clear public concern over the impact that will have.
“Household budgets are already under real pressure and, with energy costs continuing to increase, many local families will struggle to keep up.
“While I fully understand the pressure local councils across Scotland are under because of years of financial restrictions from the Scottish Government in Edinburgh, this decision will come as a blow to many Orcadians”.