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 Integrated Enforcement

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£72,468 - £88,374
Head of Integrated Enforcement... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Registration Service Officer (Frontline)

Essex County Council
£25959.0000 - £28621.0000 per annum
Registration Service Officer (Frontline)Fixed Term, Full Time£25,959 up to £28,621 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

ECC Intern

Essex County Council
Up to £0.0000 per annum
ECC InternFixed Term, Full Time£25,959 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Advanced Skills Worker

Essex County Council
£34353.0000 - £38035.0000 per annum
Advanced Skills WorkerPermanent, Full Time£34,353 up to £38,035 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of Property, Assets & Major Projects

Fenland District Council
Renumeration package £74 – 78k
This is a rare opportunity to combine strategic leadership, commercial asset management March, Cambridgeshire
Recuriter: Fenland District Council
Linkedin Banner