Millions of households across England are set to face council tax increases exceeding the usual limits. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner recently announced that six councils have been granted permission to raise council tax beyond the standard 4.9% cap starting in April 2025.
The decision comes as local authorities struggle with financial shortfalls after years of budget cuts. The affected councils—Windsor and Maidenhead, Birmingham, Bradford, Newham, Somerset, and Trafford—have been given special exemptions to increase rates without requiring a public referendum. Reports suggest that Bradford’s council tax could rise by nearly 10%, while Newham expects an increase of around 9%.
Rayner highlighted that many councils are in a fragile financial state, struggling to fund essential services without turning to tax hikes. The move has sparked debate on whether council tax remains a fair and sustainable system, with some arguing for a complete overhaul of local government funding.
What do you think? Is council tax still fit for purpose, or should a new system be introduced? for more information click here.
