Since the end of the Council Tax Freeze in 2024/25, charges rose considerably in Orkney the following year, and have continued to increase. Water charges have also increased.
On Tuesday 10 March, Orkney Islands Councillors voted to increase council tax by 6%. A Band D property rises from £1,574.60 a year to £1,669.07. Scottish Water’s water and wastewater charges increased by 8.67% for 2026/27.
This table illustrates the rises over the last 3 periods.
Below are the individual tables for each period giving the breakdown into Council Tax and Water Charges. These are for 2+ person (over 18 years of age) households.
Council Tax plus Scottish Water charges 2024/25 were:
Last Year the Council Tax plus Scottish Water charges 2025/26 were :
This Year the Council plus the Water Charges for 2026/27 are:
To find out more information about discounts and exemptions click on this link: Council Tax.
Households that receive 100% Council Tax Reduction (CTR) due to their financial circumstances, and therefore do not pay any Council Tax, are still required to pay water and waste water charges for the services they have. – Scottish Water.
Fiona Grahame