27th February 2026
Thanks to a change in loan financing arrangements, officers have been able to address budgetary challenges and preserve frontline services while enabling members to limit Edinburgh's Council Tax rise to 4% - set to be the lowest increase across Scottish councils this year.
Labour struck a deal with the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives at Thursday's budget meeting, bringing down a proposed 5% rise as well as agreeing a freeze on pay-and-display rates.
While the SNP won the most seats (19) in 2022, Labour (13 seats) formed the administration with voting support from Liberal Democrats (12) and Conservatives (9).
The changes mean that a band B property, the most common in the city, will go up to £1,264.70 per year.
The cost for a band H property, currently the highest band of council tax, will increase to £3,983.82.
Other Councils
Aberdeen City Council
8.13% increase proposed
Aberdeenshire Council
10% increase confirmed
Argyll and Bute Council
9.7% increase confirmed
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
8.5% increase confirmed
Dumfries and Galloway Council
8.5% increase confirmed
East Ayrshire Council
6.9% increase confirmed
Nine more councils will set their budgets next Thursday.