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Council tax freeze plan 'flouted', survey suggests | Council tax freeze plan 'flouted', survey suggests |
(about 6 hours later) | |
More than 40% of English households face a council tax rise despite the government offering a grant in return for a freeze, a survey suggests. | |
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy figures show of an average increase of £4.39 a year. | The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy figures show of an average increase of £4.39 a year. |
The rise is because police and fire authority precepts which form part of the total tax demand are going up. | The rise is because police and fire authority precepts which form part of the total tax demand are going up. |
There is a bigger average increase in Wales of £25 a year, but bills are expected to be the same in Scotland. | There is a bigger average increase in Wales of £25 a year, but bills are expected to be the same in Scotland. |
Last year, every council in England agreed to freeze council tax in return for a share of hundreds of millions of pounds from central government. | Last year, every council in England agreed to freeze council tax in return for a share of hundreds of millions of pounds from central government. |
However 15% of English councils, including 8% of "principal" local authorities (county councils, London boroughs and metropolitan and unitary authorities), are increasing council tax. | However 15% of English councils, including 8% of "principal" local authorities (county councils, London boroughs and metropolitan and unitary authorities), are increasing council tax. |
The institute's Ian Carruthers told BBC Radio 4's Today programme this survey provided the first overview of the situation. | |
He said this was because it was based on "local decisions taken on the basis of local priorities by councillors in those authorities." | |
Principal authorities | |
According to the survey 43% of households will see their annual bills go up, often by a few pounds. | According to the survey 43% of households will see their annual bills go up, often by a few pounds. |
That is because the requirement of local police and fire authorities - called the precept - is added to the bill. | That is because the requirement of local police and fire authorities - called the precept - is added to the bill. |
Of those authorities increasing tax, none are raising it by more than 4%. | Of those authorities increasing tax, none are raising it by more than 4%. |
Mr Carruthers said: "What the figures are showing is that 85% of authorities have actually accepted the council tax freeze grant - which is a one year grant only. | |
"That contrasts with last year where the freeze was built into base line funding." | |
Mr Carruthers said the central government grant under offer was equal to 2.5% of the council's own revenue base. | |
'Kick in teeth' | 'Kick in teeth' |
He added: "You are seeing more increases amongst police authorities. This is a particular issue they are facing - as during the year they will be replaced by police and crime commissioners. | |
"In setting the council tax this year - they will be looking to maintain frontline services." | |
The survey also suggests that across England, the average Band D council tax bill will increased by £4.39 (0.3%), compared with last year's average which was a decrease of 35p. | |
The largest average increase for a Band D bill is in the North East where it will rise by or £13.43 (0.3%) while London will see a decrease of £4.19 (0.3%). | The largest average increase for a Band D bill is in the North East where it will rise by or £13.43 (0.3%) while London will see a decrease of £4.19 (0.3%). |
Last month, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said raising council tax would be a "kick in the teeth" for hard-working households. | Last month, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said raising council tax would be a "kick in the teeth" for hard-working households. |
He blamed Labour-controlled local authorities for increasing bills despite the money on offer to councils that promised a freeze. | He blamed Labour-controlled local authorities for increasing bills despite the money on offer to councils that promised a freeze. |
But several Conservative councils also said they would put up council tax to avoid an even bigger increase next year. | But several Conservative councils also said they would put up council tax to avoid an even bigger increase next year. |
A Labour spokesman said: "Eric Pickles' plans actually mean that council tax will increase for low-paid workers next year. | A Labour spokesman said: "Eric Pickles' plans actually mean that council tax will increase for low-paid workers next year. |
"And this year Tory citadels like Surrey, Peterborough and Chelmsford are already putting up their council tax." | "And this year Tory citadels like Surrey, Peterborough and Chelmsford are already putting up their council tax." |
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