Council tax in Stirling rises by 3%

Councillors approved the rise, among other economic objectives at a meeting this afternoon.

Stirling City Councillors have this afternoon approved a council tax rise of 3%.

The rise is said to raise £2 million.

It's the last budget before May's Scottish Council elections.

The local authority is facing a £23.8 million funding gap over the next five years.

The meeting also set out Stirling Council's "economic strategy" for the future.

The plan aims to create a "thriving, sustainable and inclusive" economy. 

The council say their main objectives are:

• Support local businesses to grow
• Attract jobs and investment
• Tackle inequality
• Support the transition to net zero.

Council Leader, Cllr Scott Farmer, said: "There have been a number of significant developments in the economic and social context locally, nationally and internationally since the last strategy was developed and implemented in 2015.

"We’ve seen the UK’s exit from the European Union, clear recognition of the climate emergency and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal was also agreed in early 2020, and will see over £90M invested in skills, innovation and infrastructure projects in the City Region over the next decade.

"Through setting out our shared vision, priorities and actions, and by pooling our skills and resources where appropriate, Stirling Council, our community planning partners and all our stakeholders will support our communities and businesses to thrive, driving sustainable and inclusive growth in the local and regional economy."