THE Scottish Government passed its latest Budget with a pledge to freeze council tax for local authorities across the country.
There has been a bit of a row after a few councils looked set to defy this vow to pause the levy for a year - despite Deputy First Minister Shona Robison putting forward extra funding, expected to come through Barnett Consequentials.
Several Scottish councils have already agreed their position on the tax, with others due to hold a final vote in the coming days.
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The National has pulled together a list of all local councils and their current position on a freeze.
We will update this list as final decisions are made.
In alphabetical order...
Aberdeen City
The SNP-led administration ruled out going against the Scottish Government despite warnings from council officials. A council tax freeze therefore looks sure to be implemented.
Aberdeenshire
Councillors agreed to the levy freeze on February 23, but added that there will likely be a rise in water charges, so monthly payments may be higher.
Angus
Angus councillors agreed a council tax freeze on February 29, dipping into savings to balance the books.
Argyll and Bute
The local authority became the first to defy the council tax freeze and instead opted to raise the levy by 10%.
First Minister Humza Yousaf has called on councillors in the area to reconsider imposing the “unjustifiable” increase.
The authority is led by a coalition of Independent, Tory and LibDem representatives.
City of Edinburgh
Councillors agreed to the levy freeze on February 22.
Clackmannanshire
The SNP administration passed a budget which will see council tax in Clackmannanshire frozen for the next year.
Dumfries and Galloway
Councillors agreed to the levy freeze on February 27.
Dumfries and Galloway Council convener, Tory councillor Malcolm Johnstone, said that the "threat of sanction or financial detriment" to any authority who defied the freeze is "not helpful for councils like ours when it comes to charting a sustainable financial future".
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Dundee City
The local authority, which is controlled by the SNP, agreed to implement a council tax freeze at a meeting on February 29.
East Ayrshire
East Ayrshire Council voted to implement the council tax freeze after the Scottish Government offered more funding. A proposed charge increase for brown bin collections was also dropped.
East Dunbartonshire
Councillors agreed to the levy freeze on February 23.
East Lothian
Councillors agreed to the council tax freeze on February 20. The Labour-led authority added that residents will face a 10% rise next year after councillors agreed to the freeze.
East Renfrewshire
Councillors agreed to the levy freeze on February 28.
Falkirk
Councillors agreed to the council tax freeze on February 28.
Fife
Councillors agreed to the council tax freeze on February 25.
Labour council leader David Ross said: "Council tax is the main source of funding within the council's own control and it's therefore disappointing that the Scottish Government is trying to impose a council tax freeze on Scottish local authorities without discussion or consultation. “
Glasgow City
Councillors agreed to the council tax freeze on February 15.
Highland
Highland Council agreed to freeze council tax for the coming financial year at a meeting on February 29.
Inverclyde
The Labour-led council has voted to defy the Scottish Government freeze with an 8.2% increase next year.
Stephen McCabe, the authority's leader, has also called on Tory ministers to intervene and stop the freeze, urging Cabinet ministers to defy the devolution settlement. This led to Scottish Labour being accused of advocating for "direct rule" from Westminster.
Midlothian
Councillors agreed to the council tax freeze on February 27.
Moray
Councillors agreed to the council tax freeze on February 28.
Na h-Eileanan Siar
Councillors agreed to the council tax freeze on February 21.
North Ayrshire
The SNP and Tory groups worked together to pass a budget of North Ayrshire council that includes a council tax freeze. Tensions ran high at the meeting and Labour group leader Joe Cullinane slated the council tax freeze plans.
North Lanarkshire
Councillors agreed to the council tax freeze on February 15.
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Orkney Islands
Councillors agreed to the council tax freeze on Tuesday, dependent on the Scottish Government offer of extra funding coming to fruition.
Orkney Islands council’s leader, independent Heather Woodbridge, said: "The view of the chamber was that we should give the people of Orkney the benefit of a council tax freeze if it is fully funded by the Scottish Government, however this is entirely dependent on that money being guaranteed to Orkney.”
Perth and Kinross
Councillors agreed to the council tax freeze on Wednesday February 28.
Renfrewshire
Council tax in Renfrewshire will be frozen for the next year after councillors agreed the SNP administration's budget on February 29.
Scottish Borders
Councillors agreed to the council tax freeze on February 21.
Shetland Islands
Councillors agreed to the council tax freeze on February 22.
South Ayrshire
South Ayrshire Council voted to implement a council tax freeze, although residents will face a £50 charge for brown bin collections.
South Lanarkshire
Councillors agreed to the council tax freeze on February 21.
Stirling
Stirling Council agreed to freeze council tax, citing the additional funding from the Scottish Government.
West Dunbartonshire
Councillors voted to accept a council tax freeze on March 6, despite suggestions that the Labour-run council may look to increase it.
West Lothian
Councillors agreed to the council tax freeze on February 26.
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