3. To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with communities in the North East Scotland region on any increases to and reform of council tax. (S6O-02466)

In partnership with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, we are seeking views on the proposals to increase the charges in council tax property bands E to H. The fairer council tax consultation closes on 20 September and will take into account the views of all respondents and stakeholders, including those from the north-east.

I have been contacted by several constituents who are pensioners and are concerned about the possible changes to council tax bands E and above. Faced with the cost of living crisis and a fixed income, they are already not looking forward to winter. Will the minister say more about the options for change and what the timescale will be, and say what more can be done, other than through the council tax reduction scheme, to tackle pensioner poverty? Further, will he provide a timeline for the much-needed and long-awaited comprehensive overhaul of council tax?

The consultation is seeking views on whether people who are in properties that are in the highest bands should make a greater contribution only when they can afford to do so. The council tax reduction scheme ensures that nobody has to pay a council tax bill that they cannot be expected to afford, regardless of their property band, so, in addition, the consultation seeks views on whether the reduction scheme should be expanded to protect people on lower incomes from any increases.

Scottish councils have been treated fairly throughout UK-imposed austerity, but we recognise the challenging environment that they face. That is why we are continuing to have, and are committed to, a new deal with local government to ensure the sustainability of local services.

Maggie Chapman will be aware that the working group on local government funding is working in collaboration with COSLA and other partners. They will consider what other options might be brought forward. The proposal that COSLA and the Scottish Government are consulting on could result in significant additional funding—

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

Thank you. I will take a supplementary from Michael Marra.

— to local services in the short term.

The minister should know that up to 80,000 low-income households could face rises of up to 22 per cent as a result of the proposals that he has made. In the worst cost of living crisis in a generation, why does the Government think that ordinary Scots should foot the bill for its failure to fund local services?

It is impossible and impractical to suggest that we should continue investing in local services but not look at how we will face the cost of living crisis and cost of energy crisis.

Mr Marra talks about 80,000 households paying 22 per cent more. In the proposal that is being consulted on, 22 per cent relates to band H properties. In Dundee, just over 30 properties are in that band.

It is really important that we look at the matter in the round. If Mr Marra has other suggestions on how we can raise funds for local services across the piece, I ask him to please make them. However, he cannot say, “No council tax rises, no income tax rises, no VAT.” I do not know, but is that a song, perhaps?