HC Deb 23 February 1999 vol 326 cc215-6W
27. Mr. Ian Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate his Department has made of this year's percentage rise in council tax bills in Scotland. [70846]

Mr. McLeish

The council tax level for each council will depend on local circumstances and decisions and it is not possible to make reliable estimates at the individual council level. Provided councils heed the Expenditure Guidelines we have issued however, the Scottish average council tax increase should be no more than 5 per cent. in 1999–2000.

From 1 July this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.