Council Tax Bills to Increase by Over £100 in April Amid Cap Freeze

[Social Media]

 

Families in England are bracing for significant council tax hikes in April, as the government confirms a cap on increases will remain at 5 percent. This move sets the stage for bills to rise substantially, with the average family facing an increase of more than £100—almost three times the current rate of inflation.  

 

Sir Keir Starmer’s press secretary clarified the government’s stance during a briefing on Wednesday, stating that the threshold allowing councils to raise taxes “isn’t changing.” This confirmation follows an exchange in the House of Commons, where Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch pressed Starmer to confirm whether the cap would be altered. Although Starmer avoided directly addressing the question, his press secretary later reiterated, “The threshold remains the same.”  

 

Under the unchanged cap, local authorities can impose a rise of up to 5 percent without requiring a referendum or special government permission. This increase far exceeds the current inflation rate of 1.7 percent. For the average band D property, council tax bills are set to climb to £2,171 for the 2024–25 financial year—an increase of £106 compared to the previous year. Households in the highest band, band H, will see even steeper hikes, with last year’s £4,342 bill rising by £217.  

 

In recent years, council tax increases were limited to 2.99 percent, with an additional 2 percent permitted for councils managing social care responsibilities. However, the ability to raise taxes by up to 5 percent has become critical for many local authorities. A survey by the Local Government Association revealed that one in four councils anticipates needing emergency financial support to avoid bankruptcy within the next two years. Despite this, some councils may hesitate to implement the full increase, given the upcoming local elections in May.  

 

Tim Oliver, leader of Surrey County Council and chairman of the County Councils Network, acknowledged the budget allocation's marginal benefits but emphasized that it falls short of resolving broader financial challenges. “The money does not eradicate councils’ funding gap,” Oliver explained, pointing to rising costs driven by the new minimum wage as an additional strain. “Therefore, councils will have little choice but to raise council tax and still will need to take difficult decisions over services to balance their budgets.”  

 

As local governments grapple with financial pressures and essential services hang in the balance, the decision to freeze the cap on council tax increases underscores the ongoing tension between fiscal responsibility and meeting community needs. For many families, the rising costs represent a growing burden amidst already challenging economic conditions.

 

Based on a report by The Times 2024-11-16

 

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

The cap has been frozen, so the increase remains at the already in place 5%.

 

Families in England are bracing for the increase which can be up to 5% but is not necessarily 5%. 

 

Edited 10 hours ago by Chomper Higgot

[Bkk Brian]

"the average family facing an increase of more than £100—almost three times the current rate of inflation."

 

"the ability to raise taxes by up to 5 percent has become critical for many local authorities."

 

Another kick in the teeth for many, at least Starmer was true to his word: "October Budget will be Painful" just how painful ordinary people including those with children of special need just did not anticipate I suspect.

[James105]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

Although Starmer avoided directly addressing the question, his press secretary later reiterated, “The threshold remains the same.”

 

He is such a weak, cowardly man, an embarrassment to the UK and the position of Prime Minister.   Why does he not answer any questions directly in PMQs?  What is the point of the speaker position if he doesn't insist that direct questions get direct answers?  A petulant child would be more suited to this position than him.  

[soalbundy]

Jesus wept! you mean you have to pay to live in the UK? Surely it should be the other way around. I heard one politician say it was a privilege to be allowed to stay in the UK, I couldn't stop laughing.

[Scott Tracy]

3 hours ago, soalbundy said:

Jesus wept! you mean you have to pay to live in the UK? Surely it should be the other way around. I heard one politician say it was a privilege to be allowed to stay in the UK, I couldn't stop laughing.

Some people get to pay to live in the UK. There are others who get paid to live there.

[Red Forever]

6 hours ago, James105 said:

 

He is such a weak, cowardly man, an embarrassment to the UK and the position of Prime Minister.   Why does he not answer any questions directly in PMQs?  What is the point of the speaker position if he doesn't insist that direct questions get direct answers?  A petulant child would be more suited to this position than him.  

Yeah right, cos we miss the strength, bravery and honesty of disgraced former PM Johnson, Wrecker Truss and Sunak eh?

[Red Forever]

7 hours ago, Bkk Brian said:

"the average family facing an increase of more than £100—almost three times the current rate of inflation."

 

"the ability to raise taxes by up to 5 percent has become critical for many local authorities."

 

Another kick in the teeth for many, at least Starmer was true to his word: "October Budget will be Painful" just how painful ordinary people including those with children of special need just did not anticipate I suspect.

So, the average household of say 4 people each of whom will pay +50p  weekly to maintain local services which the Tories cynically defunded seems to hardly be painful.

I look forward to the coming months when the rich are in the cross hairs.

What's that you say "The millionaire plumber from Pimlico hasn't yet legged it to Dubai"?

[Bkk Brian]

43 minutes ago, Red Forever said:

So, the average household of say 4 people each of whom will pay +50p  weekly to maintain local services which the Tories cynically defunded seems to hardly be painful.

I look forward to the coming months when the rich are in the cross hairs.

What's that you say "The millionaire plumber from Pimlico hasn't yet legged it to Dubai"?

The strawman has appeared now 😅

[Celsius]

13 hours ago, Social Media said:

current inflation rate of 1.7 percent

 

Probably the biggest lie