Letters / Council must live within its means
I was deeply disheartened to read recently that Shetland Islands Council are considering an increase to council tax by as much as 10 per cent.
Taxation in Scotland is already significantly higher in comparison to the rest of the United Kingdom. That already places a considerable strain on the finances of many up and down Shetland, an area in which already faces a higher overall cost of living than the national average.
Increasing the tax burden on already struggling families in order to raise what would be a minuscule level of additional funds (approximately £1.2 million, from a 10 per cent tax increase) is not the way in which this deficit should be handled.
Perhaps, just as every household is expected to live within their means, Shetland Islands Council has to recognise that they must as well. Maybe it is time to consider that it is not the council’s income that is the issue but rather the level and management of expenditure.
If these proposed increases to tax do in fact pass through the council and are approved, I implore everyone from whatever ward you reside to keep note of how your councillors vote on this issue and to consider that while you are in the voting booth in May 2027 when the next council election is due to be held.
I have always believed that the people best placed to decide how their money should be spent are those who earn it, not the council or any government body. Tax rates should, in my opinion ensure that as much money as possible remain in the pockets of those who earn it.
In conclusion, I would like to suggest to the Shetland Islands Council to explore ways in which it can reduce its expenditure in order to function more within its means. Then they should begin to explore ways in which they can reduce the tax burden on its citizens, not increase it.
Danny C. Parker
Delting
