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

Climate Change Project Manager - Braintree District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £45498.0000 per annum
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Braintree Council to recruit this Climate Change Project Manager. To apply for this role please click here
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Occupational Therapist in Housing

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid
This opportunity is available as a 24 month fixed term contract or secondment opportunity.We're an adult social care service that wants to see citize England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
In our Family Assessment and Support Team, you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Richmond, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Relief Children's Residential Edge of Care Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£16.35 - £17.85
Here in North Yorkshire, we have several services that support and empower children. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Chief Executive

Leicestershire County Council
Up to £234,171
This is a rare opportunity to lead a council with both strength and ambition at a time of change. Leicestershire
Recuriter: Leicestershire County Council
Linkedin Banner