SENIOR councillors are set for a U-turn by pushing up council tax by a further one percent.

Authority leader Shona Haslam has already stated Scottish Borders Council wouldn't budge on the three percent increase agreed back in December.

But in a motion to be presented to a full meeting of the council next week she will ask for backing of the full council to take advantage of a Scottish Government directive allowing further charging up to 4.79 percent.

Mrs Haslam's motion reads: "The 2019/20 Local Government Settlement handed down from the Scottish Government has been one of the most challenging financial settlements in recent years, with inadequate funding to fully support the needs of local government.

"The administration of Scottish Borders Council has said from the outset that it would do everything possible to deliver an affordable council tax policy, which properly ensures that the needs and aspirations of all Borderers are met.

"Consequently, the council agreed on December 20 to set the council tax rate for 2019/20 at an increase of three percent in line with the limits imposed by Scottish Government.

"As a result of this change, and after much debate and consideration, the administration now proposes that the council tax should be increased by a further one percent to four percent for financial year 2019/20."

The motion will be debated during next Thursday's full council meeting.