Mark Whitehead 13 June 2023

Council tax up nearly 80% in three decades

Council tax up nearly 80% in three decades image
Image: ShaunWilkinson / Shutterstock.com.

Council tax has increased by 79% in real terms on average since it was introduced 30 years ago, according to new figures.

The TaxPayers' Alliance says a typical band D property occupier must now pay £2,065 compared to £568 in 1993-94.

Its research shows there have been 9,462 individual council tax increases, compared to only 404 freezes and 363 cuts, while 57% of authorities have never reduced the charge.

The Local Government Association (LGA) pointed out that Whitehall has relied on councils raising their own taxes to fund their spending on rising demand for services.

A spokesman for the LGA said: 'In recent years, the Government has relied on council tax raising powers to increase councils’ core spending power.

'Faced with the increased cost of providing local services and rising demand for support, councils have faced the tough choice about whether to increase bills to bring in desperately needed funding to protect services at the same time as being acutely aware of the significant burden that could place on some households.

'While council tax is an important funding stream, it is not the solution to the long-term pressures facing councils.

'Councils want to work with Government on a long-term funding plan which ensures they have adequate resources, certainty and freedoms to deliver local services.'

Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Social Worker - Children with Disabilities Team, Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£38487.0000 - £51834.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Children with Disabilities Team, Mid EssexFixed Term, Full Time£38,487 to £51,834 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Team Manager - Family Solutions Service, Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£55832.0000 - £69241.0000 per annum
Team Manager - Family Solutions Service, Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£55,892 to £69,241 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption

Essex County Council
£36124.0000 - £51834.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, AdoptionPermanent, Full Time£36,124 to £51,834 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Business Finance Manager (Commercial Focus)

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356 - £55,539 per annum
North Yorkshire Council is seeking a high-calibre, commercially astute finance leader to oversee the financial function Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Nursery Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and their families!    Are you passionate about delivering exceptional childcare services? We Stanley
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner