Donside By-election: Candidates spar over council tax

Mark McDonald stepped down as a regional MSP to contest the Donside seat. Picture: Comp

THE vast majority of people in Aberdeen Donside support the council tax freeze, according to the SNP.

Mark McDonald, who is bidding to replace late SNP MSP Brian Adam in the forthcoming by-election, said he had conducted a survey of 8,487 Donside residents and found that 88 per cent are in favour of a continuation of the council tax freeze.

“The feedback we have received from residents on the doorsteps is that they overwhelmingly support a continuation of the council tax freeze,” he said yesterday.

“It is becoming one of the defining issues of the campaign. At a time when families are struggling with rising household bills, it is greatly reassuring that this is one bill which isn’t going up – thanks to the SNP government.”

But Liberal Democrat candidate Christine Jardine hit back, saying: “The irony of Mark McDonald’s comments won’t be lost on anyone in Aberdeen. The defining issue of the by-election isn’t the council tax freeze, but the fact that his government is short changing the city council to the tune of £21 million.

“If Mark McDonald spent as much time delivering for people in Aberdeen as he did posturing against Labour, Aberdeen could have had both a council tax freeze and a fair share of funding. I would ensure… maintaining the council tax freeze and securing a fair share of funding.”