Council tax is set to rise in Glasgow from April 2026 and free school meals could be extended – everything you need to know

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Glasgow City Council is set to introduce a council tax rise starting from April 2026, with the SNP and Greens agreeing to pass a 5.6% price rise.

What is more, the city is set to borrow £36.8 million to help cover the spending gap, as well as facing an estimated £56 million homelessness bill proposed by the Scottish Government. The budget meeting for 2026/2027 is set to take place on February 24, officially cementing the city’s spending for the new financial year.

The homelessness bill comes after a massive demand for accommodation in Glasgow, with half of the homelessness assistance demand coming from refugees.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom with rising council tax costs in Glasgow, as the council is extending universal free meals for school children in primary seven.

Moreover, the Greens have promised to start working on rent controls in Glasgow, aiding the city’s housing emergency, which was declared in 2023.

Councillor Jon Molyneux, Glasgow Greens co-leader, said: “The background to this budget was soaring homelessness costs, and it’s vital that this is now being recognised as a national priority thanks to Green pressure.”

“It’s clear though, this needs more than a one-year fix, and both national governments must work with us on this. The budget deal agreed by Green councillors uses the powers we do have locally to respond to our city’s biggest challenges — child poverty and the housing crisis.”

He added: “That includes starting work on rent controls to protect Glasgow’s tenants and doubling the penalty charges on those who leave homes sitting empty or hardly used.

“An extra £5.5m for the health and social care partnership will also protect services for the most vulnerable. These have been red lines in our negotiations and we’re pleased to have delivered them whilst keeping council tax increases to a minimum.”

Proposed council tax rises around Scotland