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

Housing Repairs Technician - Heating Engineer

Ashfield District Council
£32,061 - £34,434 Per annum
We are looking for a qualified Heating Engineer to undertake repairs and maintenance work Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Health and Safety Trainer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 8 £33,708 - £37,399
This is a great opportunity to join the City of Doncaster’s Health, Safety and Training team. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Social Media and Web Assistant (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 6, £25,981- £26,815
We’re looking for a creative and enthusiastic digital communicator to join our team. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner