- Government forecasts indicate that council tax intake in England is expected to increase by 43 per cent by 2030, rising from £41.2 billion in 2024/2025 to an estimated £58.8 billion by 2030/31.
- These projections, provided by the government to the Office for Budget Responsibility, were revealed in response to a parliamentary question, with the Conservatives estimating an average £556 increase for a Band D home by 2031.
- Shadow Secretary of State for Local Government, James Cleverly, accused Labour of having 'baked in' these tax rises and warned that Andy Burnham's devolution plans, which grant more spending power to regional mayors, could lead to even higher bills.
- Andy Burnham has previously expressed openness to reforming the council tax system and announced that English mayors will be permitted to retain a share of income tax and business rates collected in their areas.
- Labour's First Secretary of State, Louise Haigh, dismissed the Tory claims as 'nonsense,' stating that councils have not drawn up such plans, and a Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Communities spokesman clarified that individual councils determine their tax rates.
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