Fife Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader James Calder is set to lead the opposition to proposals to put up Council Tax increases for higher band properties. He and Fife Liberal Democrat councillors will put forward an amendment at next week’s Cabinet Committee meeting.

With the SNP making proposals for increases between £136.50 to £763.68, and the Fife Labour Administration also advocating increases of up to £407.30, the Liberal Democrats will make the case to stop these council tax rises during the cost of living crisis.

The paper detailing the Council’s response to the consultation is to be discussed at the Council’s Cabinet Committee next Thursday and the Liberal Democrats are seeking to change the responses.

45,056 households in Fife would be affected by these proposed increases.

Councillor Calder said:

Households in Fife have been hit by one thing after. The SNP and Greens don’t seem to understand that many cannot afford these enormous tax increases at this time.

With Labour in Fife also backing big council tax increases, the Liberal Democrats are saying enough is enough. Instead of hammering household finances this time, the SNP/Green government need to start properly funding local services.

The SNP has been in government promising to abolish the council tax for 16 years. They also need to find a solution to the unfair council tax system instead of embedding it with these proposals.

The Fife Liberal Democrat group will oppose these tax hikes and seek to change the Council’s response so that we can focus on a better system that works for all.

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