This week’s Special Council Meeting covered several significant areas of work and I want to draw out three items in particular, alongside a brief update on continued budget engagement at COSLA.
The Council approved our response to the Scottish Government’s draft Climate Change Plan 2026–2040, a substantial national policy framework that will influence operational and capital decisions across all services for many years.
As highlighted in the meeting, our response stresses the distinctive needs of a rural and island authority.
Members agreed to continue pausing implementation of the Visitor Levy while the Scottish Parliament completes work on the updated Bill. The legislation introduces flexibility for councils, including the option of a fixed‑rate charge model, but we cannot finalise local proposals until the national framework is clear. You can read more about the decision.
As part of the meeting, Council also approved our proposed response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on The Future of Council Tax in Scotland. The national proposals include revaluation and potential changes to banding, but are intended to be revenue neutral nationally, meaning liability would shift between households rather than increase overall.
Our response supports reform in principle, including the need for revaluation, but we emphasised that Argyll and Bute is particularly exposed due to:
- Multiple, disconnected local housing markets;
- Very low sales volumes;
- High numbers of improved but unsold properties; and
- A significant number of residents who are asset‑rich but income‑poor.
We therefore stressed the need for transitional relief, careful band design, and targeted support for low‑income households, as well as the importance of fully funded national mitigation.
I also want to highlight that at COSLA, the budget remains a central issue, with Leaders continuing to highlight the pressures facing local government and the ongoing gap between national commitments and the resources required to deliver them. Locally we continue to work with members to inform their budget decisions that will be taken on 25th February.
I appreciate how unsettling the ongoing uncertainty is and want to reassure you that we continue to look at ways in which we can mitigate any impact on the organisation.
Pippa
Pippa Milne
Chief Executive
