Laura Sharman 25 June 2018

Public 'willing' to pay more tax for certain services

Most people would be prepared to pay more in council tax or one-off voluntary levies to fund particular local services, a new poll has revealed today.

The survey, conducted for think tank Localis, found most people would pay extra council tax to fund public health, fire, police, adult social care and children’s social care.

However, the report - Monetising Goodwill - said the Government should scrap the current council tax referendums in order to monetise on this goodwill.

Jonathan Werran, interim chief executive of Localis said: 'Councils need greater fiscal flexibilities through the Government either raising precept caps significantly or by outright abolishing laws for triggering council tax referendums.

'But for their part residents deserve a right to choose by voting on spending packages funded by hikes in council tax charges, as well as a say in how extra funds raised by voluntary levies should be allocated to community groups delivering local services.'

Residents in the East Midlands were the most willing to make bigger tax contributions, according to the survey.

ichard Harries, director of the Power to Change Research Institute, said: 'As well as freeing local authorities to set tax at a level they think best meets local needs, today’s report highlights the way councils can work with the thousands of community businesses across England who are taking on everything from libraries to swimming pools into their own hands and making things better from the bottom up.'

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Registered Building Inspector (Band 2/Grade 7)

Health and Safety Executive
£60,760 - £65,776
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is transforming building safety regulation across England. United Kingdom / various Locations
Recuriter: Health and Safety Executive

Revenues and Recovery Team Leader

Ashfield District Council
£37,938 - £40,476 per annum (pay award pending)
We have an exciting opportunity for a Revenues and Recovery Team Leader Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Housing Options Officer

Ashfield District Council
£31,067 - £33,366 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of residents in housing need? Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Building Services Operative

Ashfield District Council
£25,584 - £27,269 per annum (pay award pending)
The Facilities team are looking to recruit an enthusiastic individual Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Street Cleansing Technician (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 5, £24,397 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you enjoy working outside, as part of a team that make a direct difference to the communities of Doncaster? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner