MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, Gail Ross (pictured), has said the SNP Government’s Council Tax freeze will provide financial relief to thousands of local households during tough times.
Last month, Scotland’s Finance Secretary, Kate Forbes, announced a £90 million fund to compensate local authorities who choose to scrap planned rises in Council Tax.
Now, Gail Ross has called on the local council to make use of the fund and freeze their rates at current levels for the next year – which would see authority receive £4.231 million in support.
Under the draft budget plans, a majority of taxpayers will also continue to pay less income tax than they would in the rest of the UK.
Commenting, the SNP MSP said:
“We all know the financial impact that this global pandemic has had in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.
“So, it’s great news that this SNP Government has sought to provide relief to households by supporting local authorities to freeze increases in Council Tax for the coming year.
“If the Highland Council choose to do the right thing and freeze their rates, they will be fully-supported to the tune of £4.231 million.
“It’s time they gave local residents that assurance.
“In these tough times, the SNP Government has proven that where Scotland has the powers, we will take a different approach to give Scots the fairest deal in the UK.”
