Council Tax bill could be about to get bigger

The budget proposals announced by the city’s Labour administration only a few weeks ago could be ripped up after the Government relaxed its rules on council tax increases.

Late yesterday (19 December) the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid, made the surprise announcement that town halls will be allowed to increase Council Tax by 6% (this includes a 3% Adult Social Care precept) not 5% as was previously the case.

However, the draft Budget for next financial year, unveiled by Council Leader Warren Morgan in November, is based on a 5%.

The local budget includes cuts of £13 million to balance the books, £12 million of which have been identified. Councillor Morgan said has said that front line services would not suffer as part of the cuts and the savings were from efficiencies.

The 6% Council Tax rise would mean £1,686 in Council Tax for a Band D home.

By Clare Calder