Ayrshire council tax rises to protect services

(Image: North and East Ayrshire Council)

Ayrshire local authorities have approved council tax rises for 2026/27, with one believing “reflects the determination to minimise any rises while protecting services”.

North and East Ayrshire agreed to the move during the week, with the former increasing its taxes by 8.5 per cent and the latter by 6.9 per cent.

For East Ayrshire, it remains the “lowest increase across Ayrshire” with the other authority believing the move comes from a “challenging” budget being set.

One area of focus pointed out by the councils was the finances for Health and Social Care, which faces a £12.6 million deficit in 2026/27 for North Ayrshire.

A spokesperson from East Ayrshire Council said: “Members committed an additional £4.5 million in recurring funding to strengthen health and social care services.

“Council acknowledged the significant financial pressures facing the Health and Social Care Partnership.

“In December 2025, £6.5 million was allocated to help stabilise the Partnership’s budget,  with a further contribution planned to ensure a balanced position by 31 March 2026.”

North Ayrshire Council’s Christina Larsen added: “Finding a balance between funding vital services and keeping Council Tax levels as low as possible becomes challenging every year.

“Any decision to increase Council tax is hugely difficult but ever penny will go towards protecting the services which so many people in our community rely on.”

Elected members of North Ayrshire Council agreed additional funding of nearly £5 million to the HSCP despite a deficit of £7.6 million remaining.

A budget for the Partnership will be considered separately on 13 March by the Integration Joint Board.