Laura Sharman 07 February 2017

Surrey scraps plan for 15% council tax increase

Surrey Council County has announced it is abandoning proposals to increase council tax by 15% and has instead budgeted for a 4.99% rise.

Council leader David Hodge has recommended the authority implements the 4.99% increase, the maximum level without the need to hold a referendum.

Mr Hodge said the decision was made following intensive conversations with the Government.

'The Government has listened and we believe the Government now understands,' he said. 'We are therefore willing to take a risk that a solution will soon be found to the issues that all councils face.

'However if there isn't any progress in finding a solution to the adult social care crisis, our situation will become untenable.

'Given this, I believe that this year we do not need to ask residents to pay council tax above 4.99%.'

Simon Edwards, director of the County Councils Network, said: ‘The situation for all county authorities, such as Surrey, is made worse by the historic underfunding of rural areas and higher demand for care services, forcing residents to pay higher council tax for fewer services compared to urban areas.

‘To help county authorities, Government must now deliver new funding for social care in the March Budget. Alongside this, it must bring forward its review council funding to provide genuinely fair resources for Shire Counties.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Social Work and Social Care

Trafford Council
£100,731 to £104,625
You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council

Housing Ombudsman

Housing Ombudsman Service
£130,095 per annum, negotiable based on experience.
The Housing Ombudsman Service allows colleagues to choose if they wish to work in the London office, from home or a hybrid of the two London (Greater)
Recuriter: Housing Ombudsman Service

Youth Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£31537 - £34434
About Us We believe in relationships that make a difference and creating the space for young people to feel seen, heard, and supported. If you’re passionate about supporting young people, this is where you belong. The Targeted Youth Support Service (TYS Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Civil Enforcement Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£25,989- £27,254 per annum
Are you looking for a role that allows you to earn whilst being outdoors across the district of North Yorkshire? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Housing Support Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£27,254 - £29,064 pro rata per annum
Are you passionate about making a difference? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner