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COUNCIL TAX  AND RENT INCREASES TO BE CONFIRMED ON THURSDAY

A rise of �50 at Band D, a 5.1% increase, is being recommended for approval when The Highland Council meets on Thursday (12 February 2004) to set the Council Tax for 2004-2005. This follows the decisions taken last week when the Council agreed a budget of �438.4 million, which shows a net increase in spending of almost �22 million. This will give the following charges in 2004-2005: -

2004/05
A �692.67; B �808.11; C �923.56; D �1,039; E �1,269.89; F �1,500.78; G �1,731.67  H �2,078

The Council is also being asked to indicate that the rise at Band D in 2005-2006 will be �60 or 5.8%. This sum includes a �10 increase recognising the estimated payment profile of the Education PPP2 project, which envisages the construction of 11 new schools. This would give the following charges: -

2005/06
A �732.67; B �854.78; C �976.89; D �1,099; E �1,343.22; F �1,587.44; G �1,831.67; H �2,198

The Council will also be asked to confirm that council house rent increases be contained to the Retail Price Index plus 1% i.e. 3.5%. This will result in the average rent increase in 2004-2005 being �1.74 per week.