Council defies Yousaf with 10% tax hike

Argyll & Bute snubs rate freeze plan

-  KATRINE BUSSEY and PAUL HUTCHEON

COUNCILLORS in Argyll and Bute have voted to increase council tax by 10 per cent, in defiance of the Scottish Government's attempt to enforce a nationwide freeze.

First Minister Humza Yousaf had promised council tax would be frozen across Scotland this year, but now residents in the authority are facing the hefty increase in their bills.

Council leaders said the hike which will see charges for an average Band D property rise to £1,627.12-is necessary to help save local services.