Bristol Live readers have been vocal in their dismay following the announcement that South Gloucestershire Council intends to hike council tax by a hefty 4.99 per cent. From April, residents will see their council tax rise by this significant margin, pushing the Band D household bills up to £1,931.33.
This comes as a blow to many who opposed the increase – the maximum possible without triggering a local referendum – in the public consultation.
The draft budget for the upcoming year avoids cutting services directly. Instead, it outlines intended measures such as increasing garden waste collection charges from £60 to £70, merely a year on from when they shot up from £30, and introduces parking fees and funding withdrawals for the upkeep of public toilets and playing fields.
Despite a forecasted balanced budget over the next couple of years, relying partly on reserves in the second year, Lib Dem Cllr Maggie Tyrrell, leader of the South Gloucestershire Council, has signalled challenging financial times ahead.
Reader j00e expressed exasperation with the council: “So according to the article, 55% opposed the consultation to increase the council tax to 5%, yet the council implement the 5% regardless. Can the council inform us why we should waste our time in the consultations when they do what they want regardless of democracy? Why should we vote on future consultations as it makes no difference on the outcome?”
Brother Johnny replies: “It’s a consultation, not a vote on the matter. I suspect SGC were pleased it was as low as 55%.”
Smarty8 asks: “When will the council address the massive debt of over 40 million they are owed by businesses and people who receive assisted care in their own homes? Every month they are writing off debt because of their inability to go after these people. They have not sent out reminders for 6 months while a new computer software was rolled out. Why are the media not asking awkward questions about this? Why is the CEO and councilors not all over this? That’s there job. I suggest employing a specialist outside team of debt accountants to get this money in and reduce our council taxes.”
MaddDogg says “It will increase by 4.99% next year, and the year after, and the year after that. It doesn’t matter the state of affairs. History shows us that the Council will always raise it to the maximum they are allowed without triggering a referendum. I wouldn’t even be surprised if the Labour Government removes this ceiling at some point.”
Delboy51 adds: “Don’t forget the parish council as well goes on top of the rates. I am on band c and I pay more than what you described earlier than band d . When will we get a break from all these rises we can’t go on.”
Blackbeard83 believes: “Almost every single council are doing this. They’re all broke.”
Jubblyone4 says: “This funding from government and council tax being too low means we all have to pay even more tax. I’m paying more than enough already thanks. And much of what our tax is spent on I strongly disagree with. Cut the waste and spend on the essentials only would be a good place to start.”
Klinger thinks: “Nothing to do with previous administration, Councils are running out of money. Social care pressures high, funding from govt and council tax too low. simples.”
Junius1 comments: “Congratulations to South Gloucestershire for (at least over the next financial year) navigating its council tax increase to 4.99 per cent, but then, unlike Bristol, it is not a major conurbation authority balancing a very sizeable deficit with big pressures on spending.”
So do you agree with the proposed increase? Let us know in the comments below or HERE.