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

Deputy Income Maximisation Manager

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£47,730 - 57,837 per annum
Salary Range
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Strategic Lead - Highway Project Delivery

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
Salary
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
Recuriter: Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

Emergency Duty Service Coordinator - Part time

Essex County Council
£25959.0000 - £28621.0000 per annum
Emergency Duty Service Coordinator - Part timePermanent, Part Time£25,959 to £28,621 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Employment Specialist – Connect to Work

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,841 - £47,067
Employment Specialist – Trailblazer
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Finance Officer - Debt Collection

Essex County Council
£25959.00 - £28621.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Finance Officer - Debt CollectionPermanent, Full Time£25,959 to £28,621 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner