Council tax in West Lothian is set to increase by as much as 4.5% when councillors decide on the budget next month.
That is the increase councillors are being asked to consider, and they were told setting the tax at that rate until the year 2027/28 would raise £23.6m over five years- a key element to balancing the budget as it is legally required to do.
West Lothian Council Director of Finance Donald Forrest said the rise was needed to develop a sustainable financial strategy for the coming year and following four years. He confirmed the council would still face a funding gap of more than £47m.