Edinburgh Council tax bills rise by 3%

Image source, PA

A 拢12m refurbishment of North Bridge is part of spending plans for Edinburgh after councillors agreed to put up council tax bills by 3%.

City of Edinburgh Council will also spend 拢7.8m to address the costs from rising school rolls and an extra 拢2.5m to spend on roads and pavements.

Councillors also agreed an updated 2016-20 Business Plan for the council.

This year City of Edinburgh Council has a budget of 拢968m while making savings of 拢38m.

During 2017/18 the council will deliver several key projects, including beginning construction on an additional school in South Edinburgh and a new Meadowbank sports centre.

Alasdair Rankin, the City of Edinburgh Council's convener of finance and resources committee, said: "In 2016 we approved a four-year budget framework which drew on feedback and ideas from the public, and this year's budget continues to reflect residents' priorities.

"Despite an uncertain financial climate we have set a balanced budget for Edinburgh, as well as securing funds for several major projects throughout the city."