Title

WHITEHALL

'Single highest' council tax rise in decade

England is facing the ‘single highest’ council tax increase in a decade, a new study has revealed.

England is facing the ‘single highest' council tax increase in a decade, a new study has revealed.

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) found households across England are facing an average increase in council tax of 4%.

CIPFA's annual council tax survey, which had responses from more than two out of three councils across England, said the increase would mean the average band D equivalent bill would rise £60.94 to £1,590.53.

The survey discovered seven out of 10 councils with social care responsibilities will take advantage of the full 3% precept.

The total adult social care precept income for England in 2017/18 is estimated to be £554m, which is 89% out of a total possible amount of £624m.

Sean Nolan, director for local government at CIPFA, said: ‘The fact that we are facing the single highest council tax increase in a decade is all the more remarkable because it comes after six years of very low increases, actively encouraged by government, which until last year had offered a council tax freeze grant if councils did not raise theirs at all.

‘The subsequent removal of this freeze grant shows a clear shift in public policy in general, but also a reflection of the strains being caused by social care pressures.'

 

WHITEHALL

Dear secretary of state – part 2

By Steve Leach | 01 October 2025

As the new secretary of state Steve Reed settles into his new role, Steve Leach and Colin Copus tell him that now is not a good time for a ‘disruptive, expen...

WHITEHALL

Embedding healthy eating within local communities

By Corin Bell | 29 September 2025

Corin Bell explains how a pioneering partnership that makes fruit and vegetables available on prescription in Tower Hamlets is building an evidence base for...

WHITEHALL

Labour looks local

By Cllr Bev Craig | 26 September 2025

As Labour delegates prepare to head to the party conference in Liverpool, Cllr Bev Craig outlines the key reforms impacting local government and signals a re...

WHITEHALL

Stronger devo can solve the London problem

By Patrick Diamond | 23 September 2025

Relationships between the capital and Whitehall may have improved but its underpowered mayoralty requires urgent fiscal and planning autonomy, argue Jack Sha...

Popular articles by William Eichler