Overview
- An analysis shows 119 of 153 top-tier authorities have proposed or approved the 4.99% ceiling for next year, the maximum allowed without a referendum.
- Recent votes confirmed 4.99% increases in places such as Tameside and Wigan, Oldham and Darlington set 2.99% plus a 2% adult social care precept, and County Durham cut its rise to 1.99% after late extra government funding.
- A handful of councils have sought permission to exceed the cap, with North Somerset and Shropshire at 8.99% and Worcestershire at 8.98%.
- Councils are widely using the optional adult social care precept of up to 2%, which is ringfenced for care services and appears as a separate line on bills, as highlighted in Wiltshire.
- Residents across Greater Manchester report growing strain on household budgets and question value for money, with Salford’s 4.99% rise adding about £70 for Band A and £100 for Band D homes.