Millions face 5% council tax hike

Millions of households in England face a 5% council tax hike in April, says the County Councils Network (CCN).

Around 75% of local authorities that have published their 2023/24 budget details plan to raise council tax by this amount - the maximum permitted without a local vote.

As a result, the average household living in a band D property will see their council tax bill increase by nearly £100 a year.

Councils argue the rise is necessary for local authorities to invest in public services and protect local initiatives.

According to Councillor Sam Corcoran of the CCN, soaring inflation means local authority leaders are setting their budgets in the "most difficult circumstances in decades".

While Corcoran acknowledged the impact the cost of living crisis is having on households across the country, he claimed that councils have little choice but to raise taxes:

"The alternative to council tax rises would be drastic cuts to frontline services at a time when people at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis need us to be there for them.

"With the financial situation for councils looking extremely tough for the next few years, we will be calling on the Chancellor for further help in the March Budget."

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