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Residents across Scotland could be facing the lowest average council tax increase since the creation of the Scottish Parliament, analysts believe.Residents across Scotland could be facing the lowest average council tax increase since the creation of the Scottish Parliament, analysts believe.
The biggest factor in below-inflation rises is likely to be May's looming local elections.The biggest factor in below-inflation rises is likely to be May's looming local elections.
Twelve local authorities have already set their council levels, with 16 expected to announce rates on Thursday. The remaining four will follow shortly. The average rise last year was 3.2%, but a figure of 2.5% is expected and that would mean the tax on an average Band D property would increase by £28.
The average rise last year was 3.2%, but a figure of 2.5% is expected.
That would mean the tax on an average Band D property would increase by £28.
Labour minority
Glasgow City Council has already put the pressure on by announcing a freeze for the second year running. However, the city still has the highest Band D council tax in Scotland.
The biggest rise could be Shetland where 3% has been proposed.The biggest rise could be Shetland where 3% has been proposed.
Dumfries and Galloway could also opt for 3%, however the small Labour minority will need to rely on the vote of Conservative councillors to get its way.Dumfries and Galloway could also opt for 3%, however the small Labour minority will need to rely on the vote of Conservative councillors to get its way.
Falkirk Council has already agreed a council tax rise of 2.4% for 2007-08. 'Funding pressure'
Glasgow City Council has announced a freeze for the second year running. However, the city still has the highest Band D council tax in Scotland.
Falkirk Council has agreed a council tax rise of 2.4% for 2007-08.
The move means Band D council tax will be set at £1,070 for the coming year, an increase of £25.The move means Band D council tax will be set at £1,070 for the coming year, an increase of £25.
The authority, which also approved average council rent rises of 2.5%, said it was under "enormous funding pressure".The authority, which also approved average council rent rises of 2.5%, said it was under "enormous funding pressure".