Laura Sharman 27 March 2015

Figures show majority of councils freezing council tax bills

Nearly two-thirds of councils in England have accepted the Government grant to freeze council tax this year, according to new figures.

Communities secretary, Eric Pickles, said the statistics show that 228 councils have opted to freeze or reduce council tax for 2015-16, cutting the average bill by 11% in real-terms since 2010.

Mr Pickles said: ?'In the last decade the cost of council tax went through the roof but this Government has been working to keep bills down to give hardworking people and pensioners greater financial security.

'?We have given extra government funding to those town halls that did the right thing and froze council tax for households, which has cut bills by 11% in real-terms, meaning people have more money in their pocket and are no longer facing the threat of soaring bills.?'

However, council chiefs warned the money to freeze or cut council tax bills would fail to address the financial pressures facing local authorities.

A spokesman for the Local Government Association said: ?'Local authorities have worked hard to keep bills down. But, with every further cut in funding, it is becoming increasingly difficult to protect vital services like caring for older people and vulnerable children.

?Government?s freeze grant does not address the huge long-term pressures facing local public services.'

Earlier this week, the LGA warned social care would swallow revenue raised from council tax by 2020.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Solutions Architect

Essex County Council
£51563.0000 - £60662.0000 per annum
Solutions ArchitectPermanent, Full Time£51,563 to £60,662 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Specialist Senior Educational Psychologist

Essex County Council
£59809.00 - £63638.00 per annum
Specialist Senior Educational PsychologistPermanent, Full TimeSoulbury Scale B from 3 to 5 plus SPA Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Family Worker (Link Role) - 12 month FTC

Essex County Council
£33049.00 - £37698.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Family Worker (Link Role)Fixed Term, Full Time£33,049 to £37,698 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Cleaner

North Yorkshire Council
£13.28 per hour
You will be responsible for the cleaning duties on site including dusting, vacuuming and the cleaning of sanitary fittings. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£13.28- £13.92 per hour
We are looking for a motivated individual to provide a combination of caretaking and cleaning services at 2 of our village schools. York, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner