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

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Specialist Literacy Teacher (Experts at Hand)

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£47,961 - £54,131 plus SEN minimum £2,885
Specialist Literacy Teacher (Experts at... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Support Worker - Family Time and Support Service North

Essex County Council
£26284.00 - £33256.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Support Worker - Family Time and Support Service NorthPermanent, Full Time£26,284 to £33,256 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Part Time Support Worker - Family Time & Support Service

Essex County Council
£26284.00 - £33256.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Support Worker - Family Time and Support Service NorthPermanent, Part Time£26,284 to £33,256 Per Annum, Full Time EquivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Executive Director Children and Education (DCS)

West Surrey Council
£161,239 - £177,363 plus benefits (with flexibility for an exceptional appointment, up to £190,000)
Build the future. Shape lives. Lead change. West Surrey
Recuriter: West Surrey Council
Linkedin Banner