Overview
- Brent, Leeds, Buckinghamshire, Gateshead, Hampshire and Brighton & Hove approved 4.99% increases, typically including a 2% adult social care precept.
- Worcestershire backed a 9% rise tied to a £60m government bailout, and Shropshire secured permission to lift bills by 8.99% alongside major Treasury borrowing to avert insolvency.
- Councils paired tax hikes with savings and service changes, with Gateshead agreeing over £10m in efficiencies and Kirklees passing a compromise budget after an all-night session that includes about 48 job losses.
- Local choices diverged on charges: Westmorland and Furness raised parking fees and set a £60 garden waste charge, while the Isle of Wight dropped proposed parking increases after public pushback.
- Some authorities highlighted targeted investments despite tight finances, with Brent outlining £330m for housing, roads and SEND places, Leeds adding funds for care and neighbourhood services, and East Suffolk opting for a smaller 2.95% rise while warning of future gaps.