Councils Impose 4.99% Tax Hike, UK Asylum Appeals Surge 485 Percent, Toxicator Ride Reopens After Leak, Parliament Proposes £13 Billion Restoration, and more...

Rising Council Tax Rates in England

Nearly 88% of local councils in England are preparing to implement a 4.99% increase in council tax starting in April 2025, marking the third consecutive year of maximum allowable hikes. This decision stems from over a decade of funding cuts and escalating costs related to children's and adult care services, which have severely strained local budgets. Specifically, 94% of councils are raising taxes by 4.5% or more, with particular counties like Windsor and Maidenhead and Bradford exceeding the 4.99% cap, highlighting the widespread financial pressure faced by local governments. While the government has provided additional assistance to help some councils balance their budgets, the overall reliance on council tax for funding essential services has become increasingly problematic as local authorities grapple with significant financial challenges.