Scottish local authorities have been left deeply divided by proposals to hike council tax on higher bands.
The Scottish government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities are consulting on increasing tax for bands E, F, G and H by between 7.5% and 22.5%.
They argue those in the lower bands currently pay a higher proportion of the value of their property.
Labour councils have been divided in their responses to the proposals, which would affect about 28% of taxpayers in Scotland.
Labour-led West Lothian Council said that while the proposals ‘will not fully address the fundamental regressive nature of council tax’ it would be a ‘step further in making council tax fairer’.
However, Labour-led East Lothian Council voted to ‘strongly oppose’ the proposals, fearing increased income would be limited by a reduction to the council’s grant.
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