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Caithness News Bulletins February 2004

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Highland Council      

COUNCIL TAX  AND RENT INCREASES TO BE CONFIRMED ON THURSDAY

A rise of £50 at Band D, a 5.1% increase, is being recommended for approval when The Highland Council meets on Thursday (12 February 2004) to set the Council Tax for 2004-2005. This follows the decisions taken last week when the Council agreed a budget of £438.4 million, which shows a net increase in spending of almost £22 million. This will give the following charges in 2004-2005: -

2004/05
A £692.67; B £808.11; C £923.56; D £1,039; E £1,269.89; F £1,500.78; G £1,731.67  H £2,078

The Council is also being asked to indicate that the rise at Band D in 2005-2006 will be £60 or 5.8%. This sum includes a £10 increase recognising the estimated payment profile of the Education PPP2 project, which envisages the construction of 11 new schools. This would give the following charges: -

2005/06
A £732.67; B £854.78; C £976.89; D £1,099; E £1,343.22; F £1,587.44; G £1,831.67; H £2,198

The Council will also be asked to confirm that council house rent increases be contained to the Retail Price Index plus 1% i.e. 3.5%. This will result in the average rent increase in 2004-2005 being £1.74 per week.