FOI Request - Council Tax Increases

Request 101003740246

I write to formally challenge Moray Council's proposed Council Tax (CT) increase for the upcoming financial year (2025 - 2026).  

The Scottish Government has already allocated council tax relief funding through the local government block grant to mitigate the need for such increases.

Given this, Moray Council must provide clear, lawful, and transparent justification for any additional financial burden imposed on taxpayers.

Accordingly, I request that Moray Council provide the following:

1.  The total amount of council tax relief funding received by your local authority;

2.  A full breakdown of how this relief funding has been allocated;

3.  A reasoned justification as to why an increase is necessary despite this funding.

4.  I therefore request written confirmation that no portion of any council tax increase will be used for these purposes.

5.  A full financial breakdown of how council tax relief funding has been allocated;

6.  The specific statutory basis for any proposed increase beyond relief funding;

7.  A public assurance that additional revenue will not be misused for pay rises, bonuses, or expenses.

Response 24-03-2025 

1. The council received no funding for council tax relief.  The settlement included some funding not specifically allocated by Scottish Government for a particular purpose.  This was described as being for "local priorities".  This amount was not separately identified in the backing information to the settlement.

2. The funding has not been allocated for any specific purpose

3. Increase in council tax was one of the measures to balance the budget, along with budget savings

4. Pay awards are negotiated and agreed nationally.  The Council is obliged to make a reasonable provision for pay awards as part of its budget. The Council does not pay performance related bonuses. The Council pays those expenses to members set by statute.

5. See 3. 

6. There is no relief funding.  The Council has a duty to set Council Tax - the relevant legislation is the Local Government Finance Act 1992

7. Council Tax is not allocated for specific purposes.