Highland Council tax to increase by 3%

Council tax in the Highland region is to increase

Council tax in the Highland Council area is to go up by 3%.

The local authority said the increase was required as part of its efforts to close a budget gap of £34m, and deliver a balanced budget.

The decision will see the cost of a band D bill rise from £1,332.33 to £1,372.30.

Last month, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes announced a £150 discount for homes in bands A to D amid the cost-of-living crisis and rising energy bills.

• How much will your 2022-23 council tax bill be?

• £150 cost of living payments for Scottish households

Highland Council said its 2022/23 budget would see £5.5m additional investment in its roads infrastructure and £2m to support climate action, green energy and jobs.

It said £1m had been allocated for innovation in education, £1m for early interventions in children's services and £500,00 for rural transport initiatives.