WARRINGTON South MP Andy Carter says the level of increase in council tax is a matter for councillors in the town.

Fears have been raised over an increase in council tax bills for residents following the Chancellor’s autumn statement.

Local authorities will be allowed to increase council tax by up to five per cent a year from April 2023 without needing to hold a referendum – three per cent for all local authorities, but an additional two per cent for those with social care responsibilities.

As reported last week, deputy council leader Cllr Cathy Mitchell, Labour, said: “We know that although councils can increase their council tax, and that council tax is an important funding stream to keep services running, it simply isn’t a sufficient solution to keep councils running effectively long-term.

“Allowing councils to raise their council tax by a percentage also means that those councils who are already better funded and have higher council tax rates, will benefit more than other areas, like Warrington, who are low-funded and have comparatively low council tax rates across the north west.

“The decisions not to raise income tax thresholds and to reduce energy support will not help many people, particularly our vulnerable residents during the cost of living crisis. The support also given to businesses at a time of economic recession appears weak and inadequate.

“We will now consider the implications for us from the autumn statement, including decisions we will need to make around council tax.”

Mr Carter, Tory, says the Chancellor’s autumn statement set out a plan to tackle the shortfall in public finances, ‘primarily resulting’ from the increase in global energy costs.  

“He’s made some difficult decisions but I welcome the steps taken to protect the most vulnerable with support for lower income households and pensioners, as well as prioritising boosts in annual funding for education and tackling waiting lists and A&E response times in the NHS,” he added.

“One of the biggest challenges for local authorities is the costs associated with meeting increasing demands on social care. 

“The Chancellor allocated significantly more funding to councils and integrated care boards to address this during his statement, which I know has been welcomed at the Town Hall. 

“The level of increase in council tax is a matter for local councillors and any increase above five per cent would require a local referendum for approval. 

“Warrington councillors, along with all areas of public spending, will need to consider carefully where they can achieve better value for the taxpayer.”