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

Homelessness Prevention and Solutions Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 to £47,229 per annum
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Quality & Practice Standards Auditor

Middlesbrough Council
£41,771 - £44,075
We have an exciting role on offer within our Adult Social Care and Health Service as a Quality & Practice Standards Auditor. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Shovel Driver/Plant Operative - Chelmsford

Essex County Council
Up to £28033.00 per annum
Shovel Driver/Plant Operative - ChelmsfordPermanent, Full Time£28,033 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Culture Marketing Officer

Middlesbrough Council
£28,598 - £30,024
We have an exciting role on offer within our Culture services as a Culture Marketing Officer. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Short Breaks Worker (Casual)

Wakefield Council
£16.62 - £17.85 per hour, Grade 7, Casual
We would love to appoint suitably skilled, motivated, and caring people, to work with our children and young people Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner