Nearly 90% of English Councils to Enforce Maximum Council Tax Hikes for Third Year

Most councils will raise taxes by 4.99%, citing financial pressures and rising costs for essential services like social care.

88% of upper-tier councils in England will impose a 4.99% council tax increase in April, the maximum allowed without a local referendum.
This marks the third consecutive year that nearly 70% of councils have implemented the maximum legal tax hike.
Some councils, including Birmingham, Bradford, and Newham, have been granted permission to raise taxes beyond the cap due to severe financial difficulties.
Critics argue that the current council tax system, based on outdated 1991 property valuations, is unfair and ineffective at addressing local funding needs.
The government has provided financial assistance to 30 councils this year, but leaders say systemic funding reforms are urgently needed to address the crisis.