LISTEN: Moray Council revisit tax change plans
Failed hike from earlier this year could be the radical move to aid Moray's £14m shortfall
Stewart Cree says Moray Council could resurrect plans to increase council tax - if they get the public backing.
The Moray Council leader looks for a showdown with the Scottish Government where he plans to plea for a change in approach in order to help balance the authority’s books.
The council faces a £14 million black hole in 18 months, should they fail to cut costs - or find some way of raising more revenue.
Speaking to MFR News, Mr Cree said "The reason for highlighting this issue is because the Scottish government restricted our options for an earlier change in council tax because they would've imposed penalties"
"So now we are looking at how we can meet a significant shortfall and I'm in the process of writing to the new Finance Secretary to explain what we can do - but we will still be short"
"Although we have reserves, it's a case of taking action now, because they won't last forever"
"We need to prevent a much more serious situation in 18 months time when our reserves would be exhausted"
Stewart Cree looks forward to meeting new Holyrood finance chief Derek Mackay:-