Local councils are planning to raise council tax by up to 4% in 2016, which could mean many households have to pay an extra £50 per year on council tax. The amount and dates of the changes to council tax are yet to be confirmed, but some councils have revealed the changes they are planning:
- Manchester City Council – £46.77 rise
- Dudley – £44.72 rise
- Essex County Council – £43.38 rise
- Hartlepool Council – £55.12 rise
- West Sussex – £45.90 rise
Why are rates going up?
Many councils were previously restricted to raising council tax by only 2%, but were recently given powers to increase it by up to 4% to help meet budget shortfalls in the area of social care. Councils are reluctant to make the increases, aware of the additional financial burden this will place on households.
