The 2017/18 Aberdeen City Council budget in brief: Frequently Asked Questions
24 February 2017
Aberdeen City Council’s elected members agreed the 2017/18 budget at a meeting of the full Council on Wednesday (22 February).
The FAQs below cover some of the key elements for residents and businesses in the city:
Q - Will my Council Tax bill increase for 2017/18?
A - This depends on which band your property is in. Aberdeen City Council has opted not to impose an increase in Council Tax rates – however, due to a change in multipliers implemented by the Scottish Government there will be a rise of 7.5% to 22.5% for properties in bands E to H nationally. If you have a property in those upper bands you should have already received a letter informing you of the detail.
Q - When will I find out what my Council Tax bill for 2017/18 is?
A - Council Tax bills are due to be issued by Aberdeen City Council in the week commencing 6 March.
Q - As a council tenant, will my rent increase in 2017/18?
A - It was agreed at the 22 February meeting of the Council not to implement a universal rent rise for the new financial year. However, those tenants who are phasing towards the model rent will continue to be the subject of increases as part of that process. All tenants will receive communication in due course.
Q - What measures were included in the 2017/18 budget to support businesses affected by the Non Domestic Rates revaluation which comes into effect on 1 April?
A - Following the announcement by the Scottish Government on 21 February of additional rates relief, it has been agreed that this new detail will be the subject of a report to be brought back to the 9 March meeting of Aberdeen City Council’s Finance, Policy and Resources committee to consider next steps.
Q – Will Low Emission Zones (LEZs) be introduced following the agreed recommendation in the 2017/18 budget?
A – The budget agreed solely to the preparation of a business case around the feasibility of Aberdeen City Council introducing LEZs throughout the city. Council officers are due to provide elected members with an initial report in June. No decision has been taken on whether to introduce LEZs, which have been used in 13 European countries to improve urban air quality by restricting or deterring high emission vehicles from entering specific areas.