Council Tax Frozen But Bills Skyrocket!

Household bills have increased by 61% during the same period where council tax has been frozen, according to new figures.

Since the SNP formed a minority government in 2007, the Council Tax has been frozen but these new figures showed that bills soared by 61.1% from 2007 to 2012. Meanwhile, petrol prices have risen 44.7% and food costs have risen by 37.5%.

By contrast gross median weekly pay has increased by just 9% over the same period with wages actually falling in the UK by 5.5% since 2010, the fourth worst drop in pay in the EU.

Click on the image above to download more in-depth figures.

Midlothian North and Musselburgh MSP, Colin Beattie, said:

“These figures are deeply worrying. The Scottish Government has done what it can by freezing the Council Tax but bills are rising in areas which we have control over. Astronomical bills will only further hit the poorest and most vulnerable in society, particularly this increase of 61% on energy bills which I am sure will put many households into fuel poverty.

“A YES vote in the independence referendum will give the Scottish Government the power to act on these issues. With the full powers, which come with independence, we can take steps to reduce inequality and ease the pressure that is on so many households at the moment.”