Council tax set to increase by 2.99% Date published: 29 January 2021 Oldham Council leader Sean Fielding Oldham Council has revealed its proposed budget for 2021/22 and medium term financial strategy for 2021/22 to 2023/24. Councillors have proposed a 2.99% Council tax bill increase, and they intend to raise school meal charges. The news comes after 2020 brought an ‘incredibly challenging’ year for the borough. An increased demand on council services throughout the year, combined with budget reductions of over £200m having to be implemented over the last decade, has resulted in a ‘major budget challenge’ for the council. The Local Government Association estimates that councils in England face a £2.5 billion funding gap following lost income and additional costs during the coronavirus pandemic.