Council leader reveals budget proposals but holds back on possible council tax rise

Administration chief Bill Duff revealed the budget proposals for the 2025/26 financial year at a briefing on Monday.

The local authority is looking to plug an £11.7 million shortfall.

During the briefing, Mr Duff set out a range of measures the ruling SNP administration plans to bring in.

He had previously warned residents could face a double-digit hike in council tax in order to balance the books.

But on Monday, he refused to be drawn on how much the increase could be.

He said: “What I would say is the increase we will propose is as well judged as we can get it.

“As an administration, we have to take a sober view of our current situation and plan accordingly.”

The SNP administration will pledge £5m worth of support to areas including school transport, looked after children and road maintenance.”

The budget proposals also include:-

Ending town centre parking charges.

Restoring the general waste skip to Brechin recycling site.

Support for Angus Alive by reducing previously planned in their management fee from £500k to £250k

Rejoining Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce to help boost economic well-being.

Additional support for community councils to assist volunteers

Increases of around 5% are also being proposed for a number of council charges. This includes school meals, which could rise by 10p. This means the cost for primary pupils will be £2.40 and £2.50 for secondary.

The annual green bin fee for garden waste will rise to £52.50.

The SNP administration will present their budget proposals at a special meeting on Thursday, when other political groups will also set out their ideas.