A Falkirk councillor who introduced Scotland’s largest council tax increase this year has received violent threats and online abuse over the decision.
Laura Murtagh, an independent councillor on Falkirk Council, proposed a 15.6% council tax rise, which was approved last week. Since then, she has faced overwhelming abuse on social media, including messages saying she deserved “a kicking.”
Some of the most disturbing messages have come from people she knows personally. However, Murtagh remains steadfast in defending the increase, stating it is essential to protecting education services in the area.
“Overwhelming” Online Abuse and Personal Attacks
Murtagh revealed that some of the messages she received were so threatening that she has saved them in case she needs to go to the police.
Others have included misogynistic comments about her weight and appearance.
“When people start saying things like ‘you could do with a good kicking’, or even worse, it’s overwhelming and harmful,” she told BBC’s Scotcast podcast.
As a councillor, she said, she is deeply embedded in her community, making it impossible to escape public scrutiny.
Rise in Abuse Against Women in Politics
Murtagh’s experience comes as a new survey by Holyrood magazine revealed that many female MSPs have reported receiving death threats, rape threats, and severe misogynistic abuse.
More than 75% of respondents said online abuse had worsened since they were first elected.
According to Hannah Stevens, CEO of Elect Her, such abuse is discouraging women, especially from minority backgrounds, from entering politics.
“Women in politics receive a much higher level of abuse,” Stevens told BBC Good Morning Scotland. She warned that social media is being used to “dehumanise” women in politics, making them more vulnerable to threats.
“Physically Sick” Over Budget Decision
Despite Falkirk Council being SNP-run, the SNP’s own motion for a 13.7% council tax increase was rejected in favor of Murtagh’s 15.6% proposal.
She said the difference between the two would amount to just 50p per week for Band E households but would provide critical funding for public services, including schools and support for autistic children.
Murtagh admitted that the decision left her “crying my eyes out” and feeling “physically sick”. She also warned her teenage daughter to ignore negative comments at school.
Why Scotland’s Councils Are Raising Taxes
Local councils across Scotland have introduced steep council tax hikes this year after years of freezes or caps.
Authorities argue that increased funding is essential for maintaining public services, community facilities, and road infrastructure.
Murtagh, who has represented Carse, Kinnaird, and Tryst since 2017, was originally elected as an SNP councillor but left the party in 2023, stating that party politics was making local governance difficult.
Despite the backlash and threats, she stands by her controversial decision, emphasizing the long-term benefits for her community.
