- Government forecasts indicate that council tax intake in England is expected to increase by 43 per cent by 2030, rising from £41.2 billion in 2024/2025 to an estimated £58.8 billion by 2030/31.
- These projections, provided by the government to the Office for Budget Responsibility , were revealed in response to a parliamentary question, with the Conservatives estimating an average £556 increase for a Band D home by 2031.
- Shadow Secretary of State for Local Government, James Cleverly , accused Labour of having 'baked in' these tax rises and warned that Andy Burnham's devolution plans, which grant more spending power to regional mayors, could lead to even higher bills.
- Andy Burnham has previously expressed openness to reforming the council tax system and announced that English mayors will be permitted to retain a share of income tax and business rates collected in their areas.
- Labour's First Secretary of State, Louise Haigh , dismissed the Tory claims as 'nonsense,' stating that councils have not drawn up such plans, and a Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Communities spokesman clarified that individual councils determine their tax rates.
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