Responding to research from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) showing that the council tax bill will rise by £65 for an average band D equivalent property in England and Wales.
This represents a 3.5 per cent hike.
Rob Whiteman, CIPFA’s chief executive officer, explained following the news: “While households will have to find more money to pay relatively modest council tax increases compared to other bills everyone recognises they will be facing a harsh squeeze on living standards.
“Soaring inflation means this squeeze will be the largest in a generation, with energy bills set to rise by 50%.
“Councils are facing significant pressures from inflation and the decision to increase bills will not have been taken lightly.”
Harry Fone, grassroots campaign manager at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Crushing council tax rises are yet another kick in the teeth for taxpayers.
“The cost of living crisis is causing catastrophe for households’ finances. The last thing residents need is an even bigger council tax bill.
“Local authorities must do more to eradicate wasteful spending, deliver value for money and stop these huge hikes.”
Previous TaxPayers’ Alliance analysis has found that council tax has more than doubled in 20 years.
Further analysis also revealed that the hike will leave some less affluent areas facing a higher council tax burden than wealthy metropolitan London boroughs.
