Council tax frozen for seventh year 14/2/14
The council agreed to freeze council tax for the seventh year running which means a Band D property pays £1,024.
Maintaining the council tax at 2007 levels is an offer which comes with the council’s £110 million settlement from the Scottish Government.
If the Comhairle had increased the tax to island families it would be penalised with a reduced grant.
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The council aims to keep £3 million in reserves to give it financial stability and cover unexpected calls on its cash over the year.
Council leader Angus Campbell said: “The settlement offer from the Scottish Government requires commitments on our part including continuing the Council Tax freeze (for the seventh successive year) and maintaining teacher pupil ratios.”
The council can achieve the grant conditions while the “consequence of not signing up would be a significant reduction in funding.”
The offer means the Western Isles will continue to have the lowest council tax in Scotland.
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