Aberdeenshire council tax to rise by 2.5% after budget passed

This will be the first time in a decade that council tax bills have risen in Scotland

Aberdeenshire councillors have narrowly voted in favour of a 2.5% rise in council tax.

The SNP-led administration's budget was approved by 33 votes to 32 following two hours of debate.

Co-leader Richard Thomson told members he wants to use an extra £6m announced in the Scottish government's budget on a scheme to ease the impact of business rates rises.

The 2.5% council tax increase adds more than £28 to a Band D property.

Higher band properties will see their charges rise more due to national changes agreed last year.