Anger at council tax rise ‘mayoral precept’
COUNCIL tax will rise by 4.99 per cent in Stockport as a budget was set that will see residents ‘pay for a Mayor of Manchester they did not want.’
At a meeting on Thursday the rise was agreed as the Labour-controlled council looks to plug an £18m cut in funding for the financial year 2018-19.
But opposition party the Liberal Democrats voted against a rise of that size, saying it should be less to make up for the new £8 precept residents must pay for Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham.
This is in addition to a Mayoral Police and Crime Commissioner Precept for Greater Manchester and means as of April a band D property in the borough will pay £1,839.96 for the year, up by £75.94.
But Alex Ganotis, council leader, said the rise could have been worse - as the maximum allowed was more than 4.99 per cent.
He said: “Nobody who voted for this budget took the decision lightly. Councillors are aware this is a significant rise and of the impact upon residents.
“The other option, wholesale cuts now, would be counterproductive later, generating significant recurring costs.
“This budget is focused on ensuring residents continue to receive the services they rely upon in a time where councils must do more with less. I believe we have taken the difficult but responsible decisions.”
For a band D property the payment breaks down as £1,495.85 council tax, a £101.86 precept for adult social care to ease the increasing demand on this area, £174.30 for the Mayoral police precept and £67.95 for the Mayoral precept.
Most of the last payment goes towards the fire service but now an extra £8 is for the mayor’s office.
Both Lib Dem and Conservative parties in the borough object to what is dubbed the ‘Burnham Tax’ - saying no other area with a Metro Mayor has seen this imposed.
Lib Dem leader Mark Hunter said: “I don’t see why Stockport council taxpayers should have to pay extra for an elected Mayor they didn’t ask for. Residents were not consulted about this additional layer of local government but are forced to pay for it.
“If other areas can manage without this extra charge, why should we be treated differently?”
Syd Lloyd, Tory leader, added: “We are obviously disappointed with the rise but understand it. We will do all we can to ensure the council uses its resources in the most effective manner.
“What we are particularly disappointed with is the Mayor’s precept. There’s no (specific) detail about what it will be used for.”
Mayor Burnham has said his precept has been cut from what was originally planned and will be used to tackle congestion, rough-sleeping, home and job creation and protection of green belt.
He said: “I recognise that it is a big ask for people to pay anything more, especially in these difficult times.
“I hope that the decision shows that we have done everything we can to keep bills as low as possible but also achieve our vision to make Greater Manchester one of the best places in the world.” »●MP says councils could go bust - see page 17.