Aberdeenshire council tax to rise by 10%

Councillors in Aberdeenshire have backed a 10% increase in council tax.

For an average band D property, the rise will mean an annual bill of £1,532.76.

The motion was passed 43 votes, with 21 backing a rival amendment and one no vote.

The council also approved indicative increases of 8% for both 2026/27, and 2027/28.

Aberdeenshire Council leader Gillian Owen said making no savings would have meant a rise of 17%, rather than the 10% figure which she said was in line with many other councils across Scotland.

She said she appreciated the increased bill was a “difficult message” to give, from what she described as a “well-led and managed council”.

Councillors in Moray also backed a 10% increase in council tax on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Orkney councillors voted in favour of a proposed 15% increase in the islands’ council tax, after rejecting a suggested rise of 20%.

Officials had recommended putting the rate up by 11%, but councillors voted 11-10 in favour of 15%.

A full meeting of the council next Tuesday will be asked to approve the rate.

Shetland Islands Council agreed to a 10% increase in bills.

Aberdeen – with officials recommending 11% – will decide its rise next Wednesday.