East Renfrewshire backs 8% council tax increase

Council tax rates in East Renfrewshire will increase by 8% from April.

The council set its budget for next year at a meeting on Wednesday.

It said it had used a range of measures to deal with its budget gap of £7.1m, including using reserves and implementing savings.

The new council tax settlement means a band D property will pay £1,528.44, up £113.22 on last year.

Council leader Owen O'Donnell said: "Following many years of extremely challenging financial pressures, there are cautious grounds for optimism in relation to the council's finances."

Mr O'Donnell, who leads a Labour/Independent administration, added: "There will still be significant challenges ahead and difficult decisions to make, but for the first time in my period as council leader, I can see a path to a more positive future allowing us to focus on delivering even better services to our residents."

Meanwhile, a separate proposal to introduce charges for non-residential care in East Renfrewshire has been delayed - and will come into effect from 1 April 2026.

The council had approved the £20 per hour fees for non-residential care, which include social supports, day opportunities and community-based services, despite strong opposition from parents and carers.

Campaigners had previously called the fees "unfair" and immoral" and warned the charges could "reduce opportunities" for disabled people.

The council said the delay would allow time for financial assessments to take place.

By April 2026, the council will also know if the Scottish government intends to abolish these charges nationally.