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

Executive Director of Place and Customer

Essex County Council
up to £179,404 per annum
Shape the Future of Essex. Drive climate action. Deliver for our communities. Essex
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Social Work and Social Care

Trafford Council
£100,731 to £104,625
You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council

Housing Ombudsman

Housing Ombudsman Service
£130,095 per annum, negotiable based on experience.
The Housing Ombudsman Service allows colleagues to choose if they wish to work in the London office, from home or a hybrid of the two London (Greater)
Recuriter: Housing Ombudsman Service

Saffron Centre for Young Musicians Support Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum
Saffron Centre for Young Musicians Support AssistantPermanent, Part Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Content Designer

Barnet London Borough Council
Grade J £48,003 - £53,172
This is an exciting time to join Barnet as we grow our Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) capabilities London (Greater)
Recuriter: Barnet London Borough Council
Linkedin Banner