Big council tax rise sign of ‘pressure’ on local authorities

HOUSEHOLDERS in England face the steepest rise in council tax for 14 years, adding an extra £81 to typical bills.

The annual study by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (Cipfa) said the planned increases show the pressure councils are under to make ends meet.

Average band D bills in England are set to rise by an inflation-busting 5.1 per cent from £1,591 in 2017-18 to £1,672 in 2018-19. In Wales, households face a £72 rise from £1,420 to £1,492.

Rob Whiteman, Cipfa chief executive, said it was “time for an honest conversation about what services councils should realistically be expected to deliver”.

A government spokesman said: “Council tax will remain lower in real terms next year than it was in 2010.”