At a meeting of the Fife Council Cabinet Committee, during discussion on the Council Budget Planning, Fife Liberal Democrat leader Councillor James Calder asked a question on the effects of the proposed Council Tax freeze. Specifically this related to a point in the report showing that there would be an erosion in the Council Tax base. In answer to Councillor Calder’s question, it transpires that this could cost Fife £1 million per year in the future.

James Calder said,

Fife is already facing huge budget cutbacks in the future, and an additional £1 million could be lost as a result of the SNP Scottish Government not ensuring the effects of this freeze will be dealt with in the long-term.

Unfortunately we have long dealt with the inability for the SNP to do the sums properly, and this £1 million gap in funding will mean either bigger tax rises or budget cuts coming years.

I asked the Council leader about the discussions he has had with COSLA on this and I would hope he can raise this issue.

Fundamentally this shows that this Council Tax freeze is not properly funded in the long-term and I would urge the Scottish Government to rethink how they are funding it.