Rises in bills must not hurt fragile families

Households grappling with the cost of living crisis may have another set of unwelcome sums to juggle as councils across Scotland turn their attention to budgets for the coming year.

In Dundee, the council tax could rise by 2.9% as part of efforts to tackle fuel poverty and the attainment gap in schools.

In Perth and Kinross the increase could be higher still. The local authority has previously indicated its council tax could go up by 4.25% this year. A final decision will be made by members next week.

Councils face tough decisions as the country emerges from two years of pandemic into rising inflation and rocketing fuel and food costs.

Savings will have to be found and in Dundee residents may find it difficult to accept services will need to be scaled back, or axed altogether.

Perth and Kinross suggests cuts to gritting, teacher numbers and school crossing patrollers – deeply unpopular moves.

The lifting of the long-standing council tax freeze gives local authorities greater flexibility to make choices that address the particular needs of their areas.

But it has been some time since the economic outlook has felt so fragile for so many families.

Councils have a tortuous balancing act to pull off this year.

And the greatest care will have to be taken to ensure people are not further disadvantaged in what may be their time of greatest need.