East Lothian Council has recently approved a 10% council tax hike, becoming the first local authority in Scotland to do so. The council argues that this increase is essential to sustain public services. For residents in Band D properties, this means a monthly bill surge of £11.96, translating to an annual increase of nearly £182 according to the council's budget plan. However, First Minister John Swinney disagrees with the move, deeming the 10% increase excessive and unnecessary. Swinney points out that the government's budget is favorable for councils.