The SNP Government has offered North Ayrshire Council (NAC) £2.182 million to deliver a council tax freeze for financial year 2021/22 which begins in April. This will provide some financial relief to tens of thousands of local households during these tough times.
The SNP Government previously froze the council tax for nine consecutive years from 2008 to 2017, whilst council taxes rose year on year in England.
The average Band D council tax is now £1,818 per year in England but £480 less, £1,338 in Scotland. It is £1,343 here in North Ayrshire.
Under the SNP Government's 2021/22 draft budget plans, a majority of taxpayers will also continue to pay less income tax than they would if they lived elsewhere in the UK.
Local MSP Kenneth Gibson is calling on NAC to freeze council tax at current levels for the next year.
Kenneth said:
“We all know the financial impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had, on families, couples and people living alone. This is why the Scottish Government is keen to help.
“The decision whether or not to increase council tax lies with North Ayrshire councillors, and if they choose to do the right thing and freeze their rates this year, NAC will be fully supported to the tune of £2,182,000, equivalent to 3% of council tax income.
“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 and I hope our local councillors will choose to accept these funds rather than levy additional taxes onto North Ayrshire residents.”
NAC will meet on Thursday 04 March online to set its 2021/22 budget and council tax.
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