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

Head of Operations & Business Development - Amphora Colchester

Essex County Council
Up to £60000.0000 per annum
Head of Operations & Business Development - Amphora Colchester Colchester AmphoraSalary
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Technical Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.0000 per annum
Technical AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,959 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Director of Culture, Growth and Infrastructure

City of York Council
£86,537 – £95,898 plus benefits and relocation support
This is a new, pivotal and exciting opportunity for an inspiring leader to help shape York's future prosperity... West Offices York (minimum 3 days per week) / Hybrid working
Recuriter: City of York Council

Adults Social Worker - Early Help & Wellbeing (South Essex)

Essex County Council
£36124 - £51834 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
This advert is open to Experienced and Newly Qualified Social Worker's (NQSW) with relevant experience in Mental Health. The starting salary for a NQ England, Essex, Basildon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Part-Time Business Support Administrator

Essex County Council
£25959.00 - £28786.00 per annum + Full Time Equivalent
Part-Time Business Support AdministratorFixed Term, Part Time£25,959 - £28,786 Per Annum (Full Time Equivalent) Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner