Would you pay more for council services?
News readers have their say on big issue
Ratepayers in East Kilbride and Avondale face a further three per cent hike in council tax as South Lanarkshire look to make cuts totalling £18 million.
The local authority has revealed a list of savings proposals and say a further three per cent rise across all bands could generate £3.8m.
A total of 139 full-time equivalent council jobs are also at risk as part of budget proposals.
The News spoke to shoppers in East Kilbride town centre and asked if they would be willing to accept a three per cent increase in council tax to safeguard frontline services.
Burt Cher from The Murray said: “I think increasing council tax is about the fairest way of raising revenue for multiple services, apart from money from central government.”
Shopper Phyllis Fellowes said: “I think hitting people in the pocket yet again is unfair. There must be another way of raising money rather than raising council tax.”
Thomas Kendall from Stewartfield said: “My gripe is that ratepayers never actually see the increase improving things. But if the extra cash was actually going to make services better then I would say fair enough.”
William Moreland from West Mains said: “I think the council tax system would be far better as an income-based tax. If there was a rise, lowpaid workers could get a rise without the council having to take it from elsewhere.”
I think hitting people in the pocket again is unfair. There must be another way... Phyllis Fellowes