Wednesday February 18th 2026
Fairfield House
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
Residents in Midlothian face a council tax rise of nine per cent in the coming year as council bosses argue it is the only way to fill a £11m budget gap.
Midlothian councillors will be asked to approve the rise which comes 12 months after they introduced a 10 per cent increase, at a meeting next week.
A report to elected members says without the increase the council is facing a budget gap of £10.9million unless they agree to the additional charges which will bring in an additional £6.6million.
The remaining shortfall of over £4million will be met, under the proposals, by dipping into the council’s reserves fund. And there is little relief promised for residents next year with the officers predicting a further eight per cent hike taking the overall increase to 27 per cent over three years.
A report to councillors says the local authority has done all it can to reduce the budget with other cuts and increased charges and has no more options available.
It says: “The budget gap, even after taking measures to reduce recurring costs and increase fees and charges, leaves council tax as the only recurring option remaining to balance budgets other than introduction of some very challenging savings options.”
Councillors will be asked to approve the budget at a meeting next week including the nine per cent council tax rise.
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