Will Orkney go for a 15% council tax rise?

Councillors in Orkney are set to decide if they will proceed with a 15% increase in council tax.

The biggest agreed percentage increase in Scotland so far has been in Clackmannanshire, with a 13% rise.

Last week, Orkney councillors narrowly voted 11-10 in favour of proposing 15%, and that is going to full council on Tuesday.

However, it is possible that could be overturned, as an amendment for a lower 11% rise has been tabled.

Island councillors are trying to balance the need to raise revenue with protecting services against cuts.

At a 15% increase, council tax for a Band D property would be £1,574.60

At 11%, it would take the council tax to £1,519.82.

The difference between 11% and 15% is £1.05 per week for band D households.

Each 1% rise on the council tax equates to £115,000 for the authority.

With councillors voting on a 4% difference, that amounts to a potential extra £460,000.

An online petition against the potential higher 15% rise has gathered more than 1,000 signatures.

Councillors will meet from 10:30 to decide which option to take.

Councillors in Aberdeenshire, Moray and Shetland have all already backed a 10% increase in council tax.

Aberdeen - with officials recommending 11% - will decide on its rise on Wednesday.