Many councils are increasing their council tax as high as possible without a referendum to plug funding gaps
Southwark residents face a 4.99 per cent council tax hike after the budget – including £14.7 million in cuts – was approved at council assembly on Wednesday (February 24). The hike, made up of a 1.99 per cent general increase and three per cent adult social care precept, along with an expected GLA increase of £363, means residents in band D properties will pay £87 more. The council-tax support scheme, which helps 15,000 working-age households and gives 100 per cent relief to 6,700 eligible pensioners, will remain in place. The council estimates that £2.7 million of next year’s cuts will affect services, while it is also taking £5 million from its around £21 million reserves to balance the budget.