Council budget planning includes 10% tax rise

Scottish Borders Council has one of the lower council tax rates in the country

Councillors in the Scottish Borders are to consider a10% rise in council tax next year.

A report to go to councillors on Thursday says the budget process for 2025/26 will be "very challenging" due to pressures including pay, inflation and service demand.

The region currently has the seventh lowest council tax charge in Scotland at £1,356 for a band D property.

That could leap to £1,491 in a move designed to raise about £7m to support the delivery of services.

The figures are contained in the latest report on budget planning assumptions for the next financial year.

It said "all opportunities" for increased income must be taken forward - including raising council tax.

The report, by director of finance Suzy Douglas, also said it had ambitious capital plans in place.

They include the completion of a £90m flood protection scheme in Hawick, two new primary schools, three secondaries and two new care villages.

The local authority will not know its annual grant from Scottish government until December.

However, it is being recommended to proceed with plans to increase council tax from its "relatively low level".

It would come after a tax freeze was agreed for the region in 2024/25.