Martin Ford 11 January 2021

Starmer demands halt to ‘absurd’ council tax rises

Starmer demands halt to ‘absurd’ council tax rises image

Labour leader Keir Starmer has called for central government to increase funding for local authorities to prevent council tax hikes.

In a speech today, he claimed the Conservative Government had ‘sprayed money on private contracts that didn’t deliver, but won’t give councils the support they need’.

Mr Starmer said the Government should instead be ‘backing local councils to prevent council tax rises’.

In the latest Spending Review, local authorities were permitted to raise council tax without the need for a referendum by 2%, alongside a 3% precept for those that provide social care.

Writing in a national newspaper, Mr Starmer said increasing council tax during the pandemic was ‘absurd’ and laid the blame at the foot of the Government, claiming local authorities had in effect been ‘forced to raise taxes’.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: ‘Council tax plays an important role in helping fund the frontline services needed to respond to the pandemic.

‘Our approach strikes a balance between allowing local authorities to address service pressures and ensuring local residents have the final say on excessive increases.’

They added that the Government had also provided a £500m council tax support fund and £7.2bn for COVID-19 service pressures.

Photo: ComposedPix / Shutterstock.com

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

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner