Commenting on news that the SNP/Green Scottish Government in Edinburgh is consulting with councils on hiking up council tax by almost a quarter, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
“Humza Yousaf’s proposed council tax hike of 22.5% for a quarter of Scottish households is yet another blow to hardworking families across the Highlands and Islands, many of whom are already struggling with the rising cost of living.
“These huge increases will only add to the financial burden faced by local households, and Humza Yousaf should instead be focusing on delivering a fair funding deal for local government not pushing up bills even further.
"It is typical of this SNP/Green government that they seem happier inflicting these drastic increases on bill payers, rather than addressing the underlying issues and finding sustainable solutions.
“This only highlights the total inability of Scottish ministers to effectively manage Scotland’s finances and prioritise the needs of our constituents.
"The Scottish Government should be supporting local families, not adding to their financial struggles. This needs an urgent rethink from Humza Yousaf, and one of the SNP’s trademark screeching U-turns”.
