It means that a Band D property (considered to be the ‘average’) will be set at £1,393.42 for the year. In context, that means it would go up by £1.03 per week for people who pay over 10 months. On top of that there will be Scottish Water charges applied. The new amounts will come into effect from 1st April.

The council also agreed to limit an increase to rent charges to 2.5% from April 1. This means that the current average weekly rent of £85.37 will rise by £2.13 to £87.50.

The new Council Tax figure will now be included in the Medium Term Financial Strategy and the 2023/24 Revenue Budget to be discussed by Full Council on March 9.

During last week’s discussions, councillors were provided with a range of potential increases per property banding from 3% to 10%, all of which were discussed and debated. While it was fully acknowledged that the cost of living and significant rises in energy bills were having a major impact on the region’s households, it was also recognised that the council is under extreme budget pressures and seeing an ever-rising demand for its services.

The opposition group tabled a 6% increase led by Cllr Gwyneth Petrie, seconded by Cllr Alison Evison, also acknowledging the impact on residents and recognised where people are struggling. Nothing was being proposed lightly, and the group said that they would bring forward proposals to help people not already being reached by Council Tax reductions or support when Full Council next meets in March.

When it came to the vote, 43 of the councillors voted for the 4% increase, 22 voted for the amendment of a 6% rise and there was one no vote. A 4% increase from 1st April was approved.