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

Head of Resident Engagement

Ealing London Borough Council
up to £93k
If you’re a housing professional looking for a job that will stretch and reward you in equal measure London (Greater)
Recuriter: Ealing London Borough Council

Head of Housing Allocations & Accommodation

Ealing London Borough Council
up to £93k
If you’re a housing professional looking for a job that will stretch and reward you in equal measure London (Greater)
Recuriter: Ealing London Borough Council

Assistant Director Housing Demand

Ealing London Borough Council
up to £114k
At Ealing, our mission is clear
Recuriter: Ealing London Borough Council

Chief Finance Officer

Liverpool City Council
Up to £187k
You’ll play your part in accelerating this progress, and will share our vision Liverpool, Merseyside
Recuriter: Liverpool City Council

Director of Education, Partnerships And Strategy

Brent Council
CIRCA £150,000
You will play a leading role across the wider children’s system, working closely with health London (Greater)
Recuriter: Brent Council
Linkedin Banner