Moray Council’s opposition SNP group last night welcomed news that the ruling administration had decided against pursuing plans to increase council tax.
Opposition leader Gary Coull said alternative money-saving measures had always been open to the authority, which he urged administration members to further explore.
Mr Coull said: “Since the New Year, SNP councillors have been looking at various options whereby savings can be made, and we are confident the deficit can be plugged.
“Had the administration group taken the time to do that I’m sure they could have reached that same conclusion.
“The proposal to increase council tax has proven to be an off-the-cuff reaction to the budget settlement.
“It was something that concerned a lot of folk in Moray, and this decision will give them some relief.”
SNP members circulated a petition against the hike which attracted more than 1,000 signatures in a week.
SNP group welcome decision not to increase council tax
