Can you stomach a council tax increase? Newsreaders have say on a proposed hike
Massive cuts to services are on the cards in a bid to balance the books with South Lanarkshire Council set to raise council tax by three per cent.
The rise could boost local authority coffers by £3.8 million but hard-pressed ratepayers are still facing £16 million worth of cuts.
The News spoke to folk in East Kilbride about whether they agreed with a rise in council tax – which would be the first in 10 years – or whether they felt it was a step too far.
Gary Blackwood from St Leonards said: “As much as folk don’t like it, I think we need to bite the bullet and accept it.
“The extra cash is badly needed for services, particularly frontline services.”
Stephen Brennan from Westwood said: “I don’t mind paying more council tax if services improve but not if the money doesn’t go where it is really needed.”
Meanwhile, Jim Devine from The Murray said: “I can see both sides. Obviously the council will say they want to put it up to put more money into local services but if it actually went to things like care services, I think more folk would be happy paying. However, I am sceptical as to where the money actually goes.”
And Phil Lochrin from West Mains added: “I think the rise is needed. As long as it comes back into services and not the general council coffers.
“Things like social care and the roadways, especially in EK, need money put in to them.”
As much as folk don’t like it, I think we need to bite the bullet and accept it... Gary Blackwood