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

Chief Executive

West Northamptonshire Council
£188,576 - £201,902 (pay award pending)
Join us for a rare opportunity to lead one of the UK’s newest and most ambitious councils Northamptonshire
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Durham Cares Sufficiency Delivery Lead

Durham County Council
£44,075 - £48,226 Grade 12
Do you want your work to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in our care?   This is a brilliant opportunity to join a new Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Durham Cares - Care Resource Specialist

Durham County Council
£38,220 - £41,771 Grade 10
Do you want your work to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in our care?   This is a brilliant opportunity to join a new Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Waste Project Officer

Durham County Council
£32,597 - £36,363
The strategic waste management team have an opening for a Waste Project Officer. If you are interested in community engagement, are an excellent commu Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Policy Officer

Durham County Council
Career Grade 7 to 9 - Grade 7 £30,024 - £33,699 / Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363 / Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152
We are seeking a motivated and analytical Policy Officer to support the design, delivery, and evaluation of key policy and strategy documents relating Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner