Why has my Council Tax bill gone up?
There are two main reasons your bill may be higher this year.
- Council Tax increase – at its meeting on 26 February 2026, the council approved an 8.5% increase in Council Tax. This contributes towards the cost of delivering essential local services, including education, social care, waste collection and road maintenance
- Scottish Water charges – water and wastewater charges, which are set by Scottish Water rather than the council, increased by 8.67% this year. These charges are collected alongside Council Tax for most households
If you’re finding it difficult to manage the increased cost, help is available (see below for details).
How you’ll receive your bill
This year we have expanded e‑billing (paperless billing).
If we hold an email address for you, or you’ve signed up for electronic billing, then your Council Tax bill for 2026/27 will be sent by email rather than post.
If you’re expecting an e‑bill:
- please check your inbox and junk or spam folders
- if you haven’t received it, contact us and we’ll arrange for a copy to be issued
Payments and Direct Debits
If you pay by Direct Debit, your instalments may occasionally change.
If your account balance changes, for example due to Council Tax Reduction being applied then we must issue a revised bill. If there isn’t enough time before your next payment date, that instalment may be moved to the following month.
If your payments change frequently, you may wish to switch to weekly or fortnightly Direct Debit payments (these are collected on Fridays).
Payments made online usually appear on your account the next working day. If a payment isn’t showing after two working days, please get in touch.
I receive Council Tax Reduction, why do I still have to pay?
Council Tax Reduction covers Council Tax only.
Most households are also charged for water and sewerage, which still need to be paid even if you receive full Council Tax Reduction.
If you receive 100% Council Tax Reduction, you’ll automatically get a 35% reduction on your water and sewerage charges through the Water Charges Reduction Scheme, you don’t need to apply.
Support if you are on a low income or struggling to pay
You may be entitled to Council Tax Reduction, discounts or exemptions depending on your circumstances.
If you’ve recently applied for Council Tax Reduction or reported a change in circumstances, your annual bill may not yet reflect this. A revised bill will be issued once your claim has been processed.
If you’re worried about paying your bill, please contact us as early as possible, we can help you understand your options.
How to get in touch
Council Tax enquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 030 33 33 3005
Benefits and Council Tax Reduction:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 030 33 33 3006
Find out more about Council Tax, payments, discounts and support