Overview

• Bradford Council has been granted special permission to raise council tax by 9.99%, the highest proportional increase in the country, to address its financial crisis.
• Residents express anger over paying more while facing continued cuts to essential services like road maintenance, waste management, and school transport.
• The increase comes as part of a broader financial strain on English councils, with six local authorities approved for tax hikes exceeding the standard 5% cap.
• Critics highlight the impact on vulnerable populations, including pensioners and low-income families, who already struggle with the cost of living and reliance on food banks.
• Local leaders argue the rise is necessary to fund social care and prevent financial collapse, but public backlash grows over perceived mismanagement and lack of service improvements.