GB News host Emily Carver has slammed the incoming council tax hikes set to affect millions of Britons, warning that households are being “crippled” by mounting costs.
Speaking on GB News, Carver expressed alarm at plans to add £451 to average council tax bills in Windsor and Maidenhead.
“I feel like we’re bankrupt as a country, not just our local councils at the moment. How are people supposed to afford that?” she said.
“On top of energy costs, on top of rising rent, on top of rising mortgages, on top of rising water costs. We’re just being crippled.”
Emily Carver fears impending council tax rises
GB NEWS / GETTY
More than four million households across Britain are facing council tax rises of up to five times the legal limit from April.
Eight struggling councils have proposed dramatic increases ranging from 9.99 to 25 per cent, far exceeding the standard 4.99 per cent maximum allowed under Government rules.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The matter was discussed on GB News with Elliot Peck from the TaxPayers’ Alliance
GB NEWS
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is planning the steepest hike at 25 per cent – set to be England’s largest increase in two decades.
Conservative Opposition leader councillor Maureen Hunt said: “Residents are up in arms – this is a huge amount to increase tax by during a cost of living crisis – it’s heartbreaking for many and a very drastic increase.”
Elliot Keck from the Taxpayers’ Alliance warned of severe consequences for residents facing the increases.
“The brutal reality is, in Windsor and Maidenhead a lot of people won’t be able to afford this and will have to undergo significant hardships,” he said.
Council tax bill could rise substantially this year GETTY
Keck also accused the council of “telling some porkies about its level of council tax.”
Benjamin Elks, also from the Taxpayers’ Alliance, added: “Local taxpayers are fed up with having to pick up the tab for reckless councils.”
“As hard-working households across the country tighten their belts, local authorities are refusing to rein in their out of control spending, squandering cash on pointless pet projects.”
Labour-run Bradford council has requested permission to increase tax by up to 15 per cent, which would add around £170 to average bills for its 560,000 residents.
Birmingham City Council is considering a 9.99 per cent rise for a second consecutive year, potentially adding £400 to Band D bills over the two-year period.
Hampshire County Council has asked ministers to approve a 15 per cent increase for its 1.4 million residents.
A Local Government Association spokesman said: “Many councils have faced the tough choice about whether to increase bills to bring in desperately-needed funding to provide services at a time when they are acutely aware of the significant burden that could place on some households.”