Lib Dem leader calls offer a ‘political sweetener’

The Conservative-led Perth and Kinross Council has voted to freeze council tax for 2021-22.

The decision came after the Scottish Government offered the council the equivalent of a 3% council tax rise in its draft budget with the proviso it froze council tax in the forthcoming financial year.

But a call has been made for a stronger one-year settlement from the Scottish Government as the move means the council will receive £1.2 million less in revenue.

Perth and Kinross councillors met virtually yesterday to set the council tax rate.

Liberal Democrat leader Peter Barrett condemned the Scottish Government’s offer as a “political sweetener” and tabled an amendment to maintain the 4.28% council tax rise voted for by councillors last year.

A report presented to councillors said maintaining the 4.28% rise in 2021-22 – set over three financial years last year – would generate about £4m of revenue for the local authority.

Councillors were told voting to freeze council tax would mean the council would receive around £2.8m from the Scottish Government.

Water and wastewater charges will still be subject to a 2.5% rise in 2021-22 as set by Scottish Water.

Council leader Murray Lyle moved to freeze council tax, with the overwhelming majority of councillors supporting the move.

But Mr Lyle said the council would face a “significant expenditure pressure” and there was no indication the council tax contribution from the government would be baselined into future allocations.

The final revenue budget will be set on March 10.