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

Duty Manager, Part-Time (Active Hampton)

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Actual starting salary of £20,816pa for 24 hours
Duty Manager,
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Senior Highways Inspection Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£39,526 - £43,613 per annum
This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic Senior Highways Inspection Officer join our Highways Inspection team. Windsor, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

School Crossing Patrol - Cathedral C of E VA Primary School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.4600 per annum
School Crossing Patrol - Cathedral C of E VA Primary SchoolPermanent, Term Time£13.46 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Creative & Digital Content Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£27,709 - £29,542
This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development and delivery of high-quality visual and digital content Wyre, Orkney
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Infrastructure Analyst

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£47,730 – £62,451 per annum
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner