East Lothian Council has become the first Scottish local authority to confirm a double-digit council tax increase. A nationwide freeze on the levy is being lifted in April. East Lothian Council said a 10% rise was needed to maintain essential services and protect vulnerable residents.

East Lothian Council is the first local authority in Scotland to approve a double-digit council tax increase. The SNP government's flagship freeze on the levy comes to an end in April.

East Lothian Council has one of the lowest rents in Scotland but an SNP councillor questioned whether this was adding to its affordable housing crisis because it made the county a more attractive plac