FAMILIES FACE TAX RISE OF UP TO 5 PER CENT
Council await Hunt plan before budget
CASH-STRAPPED families are bracing themselves for potentially whopping council tax rises of up to almost five per cent.
New chancellor Jeremy Hunt, right, is widely reported to be increasing the maximum council tax rise without the need for a referendum from 2.99 per cent to 4.99 per cent.
It comes as Stoke-ontrent City Council is waiting for the details of tomorrow’s autumn budget before finalising its 2022/23 budget proposals – including its council tax levels.
Its 2022/23 budget consultation is expected to begin from November 30.
A 4.99 per cent Stoke-on-trent council tax rise would see the Band A bill rise from £1,198 in 2022/23 to £1,246.84 in 2023/24.
The council is already facing an £8.5 million black hole this year due to rocketing inflation and higher-thanexpected pay rises.
A council report states: “The financial environment continues to be challenging with pressures being felt across the board, but especially in adults’ and children’s social care.
“There are uncertainties relating to both expenditure, with the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic and rising levels of inflation, and funding in respect of the local government finance settlement. “The cabinet must consult on its budget proposals before presenting finalised plans to the city council in February each year.
“The local government finance settlement is expected in mid-december 2022, which will underpin the resources available for the next financial year, and potentially future years. The cabinet will present a balanced general fund budget to the city council on February 23, 2023 for approval.
“Savings to bridge the funding gap are subject to the consultation which will commence on November 30.
“It should be noted that this date may be subject to review if announcements in the government’s medium-term fiscal plan results in any significant changes to our funding assumptions.”