Renfrewshire council tax to go up three per cent as SNP budget sails through unopposed

dailyrecord.co.uk:

People in Renfrewshire will see their council tax and service charges go up by three per cent this year.This comes after the SNP administration's £466 million budget was passed unopposed earlier today.Following a welcome freeze to rates over the past 12 months, it means the Band D charge will go up from £1,315.42 to £1,354.88 this year.Council tenants will also face a two per cent rise in average weekly rent as the council plans to inject £266m into existing and new-build housing to 2027.Unlike last year when the budget was squeezed through by just two votes, getting it approved was a breeze for the SNP this time as no opposition group chose to table any amendments.Conservative group leader Neill Graham claimed his group "did not have enough time" to propose any alternative budget as he slammed the SNP group's decision to only reveal their spending plans 15 minutes before the crunch meeting.Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire.

Sign up to our newsletters here.Labour councillor Jim Sharkey attempted to directly oppose the budget on behalf of his group but, given he offered no alternative plan, this was ruled as incompetent by Provost Lorraine Cameron.Shots were fired at a perceived lack of fight from the opposition, as the Labour group's stance was branded an "absolute disgrace" while the Tories' approach was described as "ignorant" and "unbelievable".Finance convener Councillor John Shaw said while council tax would rise, people in bands A to D and those in receipt of reduction would actually pay less this year because of a £150 rebate from the Scottish Government, which is designed to assist people with the cost-of-living crisis."The small annual increase will be offset by the Scottish Government