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

Senior Social Worker

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£46,206 - £55,992
Senior Social Worker
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Waste Operations Support Officers

Durham County Council
£29,071 - £32,046
Temporary until 1 June 2029   Refuse and Recycling are looking for 3 Waste Operations Support Officer to work in the South and East of County Durham. Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Recovery Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 - £31,015 – £34,811 per annum.
Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of people experiencing hoarding and self-neglect behaviours?   As an Agile Recovery Worker within o Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Finance Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 7, £30,024 - £33,699 per annum. Pay award pending.
We are seeking a Finance Officer to join DurhamLearn, where you will play a key role in supporting the financial administration, budget monitoring and Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Work Consultant

Durham County Council
Grade 13 - £47,181 - £51,356 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you believe every child deserves to grow up feeling loved, safe, and supported, with a lasting sense of family, belonging, and stability?   Are you Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner