At the first meeting of Argyll and Bute Council since the removal of the cross party TALIG  administration (The Argyll Lomond and Isles Group), the council agreed to implement a council tax freeze for  2024/2025 following additional resources from the Scottish Government.

Conservative Group Leader Cllr Gary Mulvaney, former Depute Leader of the Council said:

“Let’s be clear that only by standing up to the Scottish Government were we able to get Ministers to the negotiating table and as result secure extra money for those we represent.

“It is win, win for taxpayers and the council. Tax rates frozen, services and jobs protected and more money provided from Scottish Government.

“The council report makes clear that an additional £1.1m from UK consequentials and  £2.3m severe weather monies has been confirmed since our February budget, along with an anticipated extra £600,000 from a share of the island’s cost of living fund.

“We also wish to pay tribute to former council Leader, Robin Currie for his dedicated, principled and resilient approach in doing what is right to protect local services and jobs”                                                                                                                                   

In their amendment the opposition thanked First Minister for the extra money; restated their support for Verity House agreement; and called for no further unilateral council tax freezes or caps.