Glasgow council tax to rise by 5.9% amid homelessness budget issues

Council tax in Glasgow is set to increase by 5.9% in the coming year, nearly doubling the current inflation rate of 3%.

Residents will receive bills reflecting this increase in April, with Band D homes facing an almost £100 rise.

According to the SNP budget, passed after a deal with the Greens, after applying government grants totalling £1822.9 million, the remainder, £403.8 million, is to be funded by local taxes.

It includes funding cuts of £4.799 million while the increase in council tax is projected to raise £17.1 million.

Investment in services also amounts to £16.9 million.

A significant budget concern is homelessness, as the council spends extensive amounts annually on temporary accommodations.

To address a £35 million shortfall, the Scottish Government has permitted the council to use capital grant funding to cover borrowing costs, extending over 30 years.

Both the SNP and Greens expressed that this approach is not sustainable beyond a year.

Glasgow Labour highlighted failed leadership and suggested a smaller council tax rise of 3.4%, and budget cuts of £7.5 million.

The council tax, alongside Scottish Water charges, will be:

• A £1,752.21
• B £1,834.25
• C £2,019.28
• D £2,358.32
• E £3,028.77
• F £3,696.49
• G £4,428.12
• H £5,484.34

Council Leader Susan Aitken said: “We’re ensuring Glasgow protects and invests in the services that Glaswegians value and rely on.

“We are expanding the provision of free school meals to ensure every primary-age pupil benefits – and we are accelerating our work to improve the local environment in every neighbourhood across the city.”

Councillor Catherine Vallis from the Glasgow Labour Group, said: "The SNP and Greens have again teamed up to raise council tax, this time just shy of 6 per cent.

''People across Glasgow are fed up of above the odds council tax rises to subsidy cuts from the SNP government."

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