Estimating Council Tax For Highland Council in 2026/27 Plus Already Agreed Water Charge

24th February 2026

As of late February 2026, The Highland Council hasn't yet officially announced a specific council tax increase level for the 2026-27 financial year, and there's no widely reported draft percentage figure like some other Scottish councils have published. However, there are indications and discussions that give a sense of the thinking ahead of the formal budget decision.

Current Public Position

Highland Council has been engaging with the public as part of its budget process for 2026/27, highlighting a significant budget gap and seeking views on priorities and how to close that gap — including income options such as council tax and other charges.

This engagement exercise suggests councillors are considering all options to balance the budget, but there's no definitive proposed percentage rise publicly released yet ahead of the formal budget meeting scheduled for early March 2026 (when the council normally agrees its tax rate).

Indicative Figures from Council Papers

Draft budget documents produced by the council include indicative council tax charges for 2026/27 showing a projected increase of around 7% across valuation bands, compared with the 2025/26 level. These figures appear in the Highland Council's medium-term budget planning papers, suggesting a 7 % indicative rise.

The table on this page is an indicative estimate based on information available.
The water charge is as already announced.
Water charges are rising significantly in 2026-27 compared with 2025-26 — e.g., Band D combined charges go from £600.39 to £652.32.

What This Means

The 7 % figure in the council's internal planning papers is indicative, not final and is effectively a working assumption used in modelling rather than a formal decision.

Example Summary (Band D)

2025-26 total bill: £1,957.80
2026-27 total bill (est): £2,104.75
Increase: £146.95 per year (£12 a month)
Approx % total rise: 7.5%

Highland Council still needs to agree its final tax level in its full budget meeting, and that could be higher or lower depending on final funding settlement and council priorities.

When a Decision Is Expected

The council sets the final council tax level for the coming year in March, at its annual budget meeting. So a formal announcement on 2026-27 tax levels including any increase will likely emerge at a Special Meeting of Highland Council meeting on 4th March 2026.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

16/7/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Small Grants Programme Reopens with Expanded Support for Community Organisations

The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is re-opening the Highland Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) Small Grants Programme following a review of the remaining funding.   Community and voluntary organisations across rural Highland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000.  

14/7/2026 : Local Authority

 
Do you want a say in the future development of Highland?

Share your ideas and help shape the places, spaces and communities of tomorrow.   The Highland Council is inviting people to share their ideas relating to the development or long-term land use in Highland.  

8/7/2026 : Local Authority

Traffic restrictions for Belladrum Festival 2026

Motorists are being advised of a series of temporary road closures, speed limits and traffic restrictions that will be in place to support the safe running of the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2026.   The Highland Council has introduced a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order to manage traffic and reduce disruption in the area around Kiltarlity and Belladrum during the event period.  

2/7/2026 : Local Authority

A New Pay Deal For England's Teachers But Scottish Teach Are Still Better Paid But Councils Are Landed With The Problem

teachers in Scotland are generally still paid more than teachers in England, although the gap varies depending on experience and location.   The UK Government has announced a two-year pay deal for teachers in England: 3.5% from September 2026 3.0% from September 2027 This is a cumulative increase of around 6.6% over two years.  

26/6/2026 : Local Authority

The Highland Council agree next steps for Visitor Levy scheme

The Highland Council has agreed to continue working with the tourism industry to co-design a draft Visitor Levy scheme for the Highlands.   It follows the Council securing greater flexibility from The Scottish Government on how a Visitor Levy could be applied and administered, after feedback from accommodation providers and industry groups across the Highlands about a percentage-based charge.  

26/6/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Wealth Fund to create lasting legacy from renewable energy development

The Highland Council has agreed plans to establish a Highland Wealth Fund to create a lasting legacy from renewable energy development and support long-term benefits for communities across the region.   Inspired by the principles of the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund, the new partnership-led fund will support strategic, regional, area and local priority projects, helping to ensure that the opportunities created by the energy transition deliver lasting value for current and future generations.  

25/6/2026 : Local Authority

Apply For Education Maintenance Allowance If you are 16 to 19 years old

If you are 16 to 19 years old, at school or college, and come from a low-income household you may be able to get financial help from an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).   EMA is a weekly allowance of £30 per week, paid during term time.  

22/6/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council launches new platform to improve online engagement

The Highland Council has today (Monday 22 June) launched a new online engagement platform which will transform how residents, communities and visitors engage with consultations.   The easy-to-use platform allows anyone to quickly see what projects and proposals are open for consultation and engagement.  

22/6/2026 : Local Authority

A Tale of Two Schools - Is Thurso Next? As Moray Council Shelves £100million school plan for Buckie

When Moray Council officially shelved plans for a new Buckie High School, it sent a shockwave through communities across the north of Scotland.  The message was clear: in the current economic climate, even the most desperate promises of new school builds can vanish overnight when balanced against a massive budget deficit.  

19/6/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland creatives help shape UK City of Culture 2029 bid

Cultural artists and creators from across the Highlands have gathered at Strathpeffer Pavilion to share their ideas and ambitions for the Inverness-Highland bid for UK City of Culture 2029.   The bid, which is being taken forward under the name Beò 2029 the Gaelic word for living brought together around 80 creative practitioners from across the region for a cultural conversation exploring what culture means in the Highlands, what stories the region wants to tell, and the legacy for the future.