Liberal Democrats call to rule out £132 Council Tax rise

Liberal Democrats have called on the Labour administration to rule out a suggested £132 council tax rise for residents, on top of the annual increase.

This comes after the launch of the City of York Council’s budget consultation that includes a question that states:

“Council tax in York is one of the lowest in England. Do you think we should put council tax up to match the national average?”

For a Band D property council tax in York is currently £2039, the national average for a Band D property is currently £2171. This would mean that York would need to increase council tax by £132 to get to the national average.

Councillor Andrew Hollyer said:

“This suggestion by Labour’s Council bosses to raise council tax by £132 to bring York in line with the national average is shocking and should not even be a consideration for the Council. Especially considering Labour’s promise at the local elections to freeze residents‘ council tax.

“Residents in York are still suffering with the cost-of-living crisis made worse by the introduction of the Council’s deeply unpopular Green Bin Tax. To add another £132 onto their tax bill would push even more people into financial difficulties.

“We need to see urgent action by the government to give York it’s fair share of national funding, not further tax increases on hard working families.”