Time is running out for people in East Renfrewshire to make their views known on planned increases to council tax.
In July, the Scottish Government opened a consultation on proposals to increase council tax for properties belonging to bands E-H.
A total of 23,162 East Renfrewshire households would be impacted and face a rise in their council tax bills.
The plans would result in council tax increasing by 7.5 percent for properties in band E, 12.5 percent for band F and 17.5 percent for band G. People who live in a band H home would experience an eye watering 22.5 percent rise.
In East Renfrewshire, this means occupants of band E and F properties would pay an additional £139.46 and £287.47 respectively in council tax each year.
Annual council tax payments for band G homeowners would be £485.01 higher whilst bills for band H houses are set to soar by £780.14 per year.
Local Conservative politicians, Jackson Carlaw and Dr Sandesh Gulhane are urging people in East Renfrewshire to take part in the consultation and oppose the “bombshell” plans before the deadline for participation.
The last day to submit comments is Wednesday 20th September and people can submit their views by completing the online survey on the following webpage - https://consult.gov.scot/local-government-and-communities/consultation-on-a-fairer-council-tax/
If implemented, the higher council tax charges would take effect from the beginning of the next financial year in April 2024.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Eastwood, Jackson Carlaw said:
“It is a complete disgrace that the SNP-Green Government is attempting to impose such significant council tax hikes in the midst of a global cost of living crisis.
“The bombshell proposals are unacceptable and the intended increases to council tax would damage household finances at the worst possible time.
“I urge local people to take part in the consultation and strongly oppose the SNP-Green plans.”
Scottish Conservative UK parliamentary candidate for East Renfrewshire, Dr Sandesh Gulhane added:
“I urge East Renfrewshire residents to make their voices heard by responding to the consultation and oppose this unacceptable council tax hike.
“The proposals by this out-of-touch SNP-Green Government are unreasonable, burdening residents with an unjustified financial strain.
“We must advocate for responsible fiscal policies that prioritize the well-being of our communities rather than imposing unnecessary tax increases to cover the SNP-Green partnership’s economic illiteracy and financial recklessness.”