Proposed Council Tax Increase
The SNP administration of Dumfries and Galloway Council has proposed a 7.5% increase in council tax.
This proposal would raise the annual rate for the average band D property from £1,454.98 to £1,564.10, reflecting an increase of £109.12.
Opposition Budget Proposals
In addition to the SNP proposal, three opposition groups have submitted their own budget plans.
The Conservative group proposes a 6.5% increase, Labour suggests an 8.5% rise, and the Novantae group recommends a 9.8% increase. The council meeting to discuss these proposals is scheduled for Thursday.
The full details of each budget proposal were published approximately 48 hours prior to the meeting.
Proposed Savings and Income Measures
The SNP group’s suggested savings include removing a permanent supply teacher pool, ending funding for school-based police officers, and initiating consultation on the closure of small nurseries.
They also plan to increase income by raising burial fees, school meal prices, and piloting an "Invitation to Pay" scheme for parking.
The Conservative proposals aim for greater savings, including reducing winter road treatment and sharing headteachers between some primary schools.
Labour’s budget plans include cuts to leadership and management costs, while Novantae, which represents the west of the region, proposes removing playground supervisors at primary schools.
Additional Information
The complete budget proposals, which span hundreds of pages, are available on the council’s website.
Last year, the local authority increased its charges by 9%.
Neighbouring Scottish Borders Council agreed to increase its council tax by 8.5% last week.
