Council / Homeowners in top half of council tax bands could pay more
PEOPLE in Shetland are being encouraged to share their views on potential changes to the council tax system in Scotland which could see those in the highest value properties be asked to pay more if they can afford to.
The Scottish Government and COSLA are consulting jointly on plans to increase the amount paid by bands in E, F, G and H.
Figures from earlier this year showed that there are 1,520 properties in Shetland in band E, 318 in band F, 69 in band G and two in band H.
That is just over 15 per cent of the total number of chargeable properties in Shetland.
Shetland already pays less than the Scottish average when it comes to council tax.
Local authorities set their own band D rates, which then influences what other bands would pay.
The government said its proposals aim to address criticism that the system is unfair, because at present those in the lower bands pay a higher proportion of the value of their property than those in the higher bands.
It said around 75 per cent of properties in Scotland would be unaffected if the proposals, which could be phased in over a period of three years, were implemented.
Earlier this year Shetland councillors imposed a 4.5 per cent increase on council tax rates after a freeze the previous year.
Public finance minister Tom Arthur said: “We have listened to calls for the council tax system to be made fairer, as presently more of the burden falls on those in the lower bands when considered as a proportion of the value of their property.
“The changes would only affect around a quarter of properties and even after they are taken into account, average council tax in Scotland would still be less than anywhere else in the UK.
“We know that many people are struggling with their finances and our Council Tax Reduction scheme is there to ensure nobody has to pay a Council Tax bill they cannot be expected to afford, regardless of what band they are in.
“I would encourage anyone who has views on these proposals to complete our consultation before it closes on 20 September 2023, to help us determine if they should be taken forward.”
Shetland Islands Council leader Emma Macdonald said “it is something I’m sure we will visit as a council after the summer to take a position on, so for now it’s just important that people use the opportunity to express their views”.
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