Council tax in Edinburgh will rise by four per cent this year, the lowest increase of any local authority in Scotland. The rise was confirmed following crunch budget meetings on Thursday, with Labour councillors striking a deal with the Lib Dems and Conservatives to get it over the line.
Council leader Jane Meagher said the budget reinforced a commitment to tackling poverty and protecting frontline services “while keeping the increase in council tax to one of the lowest, if not the lowest, in the country.” She also pointed to a significant housing investment over the next five years, calling it one of the largest housing interventions by a local authority in modern times.
The numbers are straightforward. Band A properties will cost occupants £1,084.03 in 2026/27. Band H properties, the highest band, will rise to £3,983.82. Pay and display parking charges and parking permits will be frozen for the next 12 months.
Councillors also confirmed that Edinburgh’s tourist tax scheme is expected to generate up to £29 million this financial year, which will help fund visitor services. Finance Convener Mandy Watt noted that Edinburgh remains the lowest funded council in Scotland, which she described as a real challenge when setting the budget each year.
The SNP were not impressed. Group leader Simita Kumar accused Labour of doing “yet another grubby deal with the Tories” and said millions that had been earmarked for homeless accommodation were being used to fund lower taxes benefiting the wealthiest residents. It is a familiar political argument, and both sides will claim to have the moral high ground.
For most Edinburgh residents, the practical reality is a four per cent increase on their council tax bill. Whether that feels like good news depends on what you were expecting.