Will Orkney go for a 15% council tax rise?

Councillors in Orkney are set to decide if they will proceed with a 15% increase in council tax.

The biggest agreed percentage increase in Scotland so far has been in Clackmannanshire, with a 13% rise.

Last week, Orkney councillors narrowly voted 11-10 in favour of proposing 15%, and that is going to full council on Tuesday.

However, it is possible that could be overturned, as an amendment for a lower 11% rise has been tabled.

It comes as councillors in Orkney will receive pay increases of 22% from next month, as part of changes across the country agreed by the Scottish government.

Island councillors are trying to balance the need to raise revenue with protecting services against cuts.

At a 15% increase, council tax for a Band D property would be £1,574.60

At 11%, it would take the council tax to £1,519.82.

The difference between 11% and 15% is £1.05 per week for band D households.

Each 1% rise on the council tax equates to £115,000 for the authority.

With councillors voting on a 4% difference, that amounts to a potential extra £460,000.

An online petition against the potential higher 15% rise has gathered more than 1,000 signatures.

Councillors will meet from 10:30 to decide which option to take.

Councillors in Aberdeenshire, Moray and Shetland have all already backed a 10% increase in council tax.

Aberdeen - with officials recommending 11% - will decide on its rise on Wednesday.