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

Director of Social Work and Social Care

Trafford Council
£100,731 to £104,625
You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council

Housing Ombudsman

Housing Ombudsman Service
£130,095 per annum, negotiable based on experience.
The Housing Ombudsman Service allows colleagues to choose if they wish to work in the London office, from home or a hybrid of the two London (Greater)
Recuriter: Housing Ombudsman Service

Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer

Powys County Council
£90,347 – £98,135 per annum/y flwyddyn
We’re seeking an energetic, innovative, and inspirational leader to join our team at Powys County Council Powys
Recuriter: Powys County Council

Senior Business Development Officer (MaaS)

Essex County Council
£36341.0000 - £42754.0000 per annum
Senior Business Development Officer (MaaS)Fixed Term, 2-year contract with potential for extension Full Time, 37 hours per week£36,341 to £42,754 per England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Customer Advisor (Events) - Braintree District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £13.8000 per hour
Customer Advisor (Events) - Braintree District Council£13.80 PAYE / £17.67 Umbrella Braintree, EssexPart-Time, Temporary Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner