What is Happening About Council Tax?

I have checked the latest rises. The Conservative County Council element is the largest at about 75% of the bill and I understand this is 9.3%, with the Police precept over 10%. The Borough who are charged with ending out the bills and constitutes about 15% of the total has only a slightly more modest rise at 8%. This year the Chancellor gave a generous, above inflation, increase to Councils, and in fact in Leicestershire we got an 8.2% increase from the Government.

I impress upon councillors the need to control spending but these matters are ultimately controlled by the authorities and I have no powers in this area.The Deputy Prime Minister is aware of the concern and has already talked about introducing penalties for authorities who do not control their spending. On the other hand there have been exceptional calls on expenditure, notably because on increased teachers' pay, pensions, national insurance, and the greater number of elderly in care.

Last updated April 2003