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

Senior Social Worker

Wakefield Council
£42,839.00 - £46,142.00, Grade 10, 37 hours, Permanent
Are you a passionate and experienced social worker ready to take the next step in your career? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Senior Housing Enforcement Officer

Wakefield Council
Grade 8 - Grade 10, 37 hours, Temporary
Here is an exciting opportunity for someone to join our dynamic Housing & Neighbourhood Improvement Team. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Head of Regeneration and Town Centre Programmes

Swindon Borough Council
£74009 Per annum
Head of Regeneration and Town Centre Programmes Swindon, Wiltshire
Recuriter: Swindon Borough Council

Community Support Worker - South Essex

Essex County Council
£25395.00 - £32131.00 per annum
Community Support Worker - South EssexPermanent, Full Time£25,395 to £32,131 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Wickford County Infant School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Wickford County Infant SchoolPermanent, Term Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner