Collier Condemns 13% Council Tax Rise as Unbearable for Clackmannanshire Families

Mike Collier has spoken out strongly against Clackmannanshire Council's 13% council tax rise for 2025/26, describing it as an unacceptable burden on already-squeezed household budgets. The increase — agreed as part of the council's £170.98 million revenue budget — was accompanied by significant service savings including cuts to community funding and increased school meal charges. 'A 13% council tax rise in one year is not an adjustment — it is a shock,' said Mr Collier. 'For families in Alloa, Alva, and Tullibody who are already struggling with the cost of living, this is a real blow.' He said the root of the problem was the Scottish Government's approach to local government funding, which has seen councils squeezed between rising demand for services and an inadequate grant settlement. 'Clackmannanshire Council is in an impossible position, and the people paying the price are local residents,' Mr Collier said. He called for a fundamental review of the local government funding formula to give councils like Clackmannanshire a more sustainable financial footing, alongside a council tax freeze for working households. 'Reform UK will not accept a situation where local people are taxed to the hilt to compensate for SNP underfunding. We will fix the funding settlement and protect family finances.'