East Dunbartonshire to increase council tax by 13%

East Dunbartonshire Council has imposed a 13% tax hike on residents, one of the largest increases in Scotland.

The measure came as the local authority set its budget, along with a 4% increase on rent for homes, garages and lockups.

This increase was recommended in a report to councillors as East Dunbartonshire aimed to narrow a financial gap of almost £24 million.

Introducing his administration’s proposals, council leader Gordan Low said: “Yet again, the financial pressures facing local government continue to be incredibly challenging.

“We continue to face increasing demand for our services, and the cost of delivering those services also continues to escalate.

“That remains the case for capital as well as revenue budgets. With no respite from ever-increasing construction costs, our asset development aspirations continue to be impacted.

“We have, however, brought forward proposals that continue to deliver our essential services and investment and development of our assets and our communities.”

He said the 4% rent increase was the third lowest of 15 comparable councils and would lead to improvements in the quality and energy efficiency of housing and an increased supply of affordable housing throughout the area.

Some £8 million is to be invested in the existing housing estate, with £3 million going to energy efficiency measures and over £2.8 million going to housing quality, including the replacement of windows, doors, kitchens, and bathrooms.

£15.375 million will be used to increase housing supply with more than 300 new properties across nine sites, built to high standards of energy efficiency with negligible carbon emissions.

Another £4 million will be spent purchasing homes on the open market, continuing the established practice of buying around 25 properties each year, especially in areas where it is difficult to build housing.

Councillor Low also said he would accept proposals from the Labour group to recognise the housing emergency, establish a housing forum, pilot a decoration programme (subject to full costing being carried out), commit to sustainable technologies, and support new standards from the Scottish Government.

However, he rejected an amendment from the Liberal Democrats that called on the council to consider developing housing at a lower standard of energy efficiency, as the council had already committed to the higher standard.

Councillor Low also explained the reasons behind the council tax increase, which was further inflated by changes to national insurance and borrowing to build a replacement for Balmuidy Primary School in Bishopbriggs.

He added: “Council tax rises of between 7% and 15.6% have been reported elsewhere across the country. Our 13% will see a Band D property charge increase from £1,415 per year to £1,599, an annual increase of £184.

“Whilst this would take the Band D cost in East Dunbartonshire to above the Scottish average, it remains within the mid-range across the country.”

He added that the budget would allow the council to continue with its plans to ensure East Dunbartonshire residents can access the best sports and recreation facilities, highlighting investment in refurbishing sports pavilions, upgrading sports pitches and a feasibility study into upgrading two more facilities, while plans to allow hire of all pitches on Sundays would also increase income for the council.

The capital programme also includes further mechanisation of school crossings, a contract to revitalise Campsie Memorial Hall, detailing options for a new Westerton Primary School, and recommencing the construction of a replacement Balmuidy Primary School, estimated to cost £32 million.

Regarding the capital budget, Councillor Low again accepted a Labour amendment, on the condition that a proposed joint letter to the First Minister and MSPs also be sent to the Prime Minister and MPs.