#council-tax

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#local-government

Where in London would you pay the highest and lowest amount of council tax?

London boroughs have varying council tax rates, with some charging over 2,000 a year.
Wandsworth plans to have the lowest council tax in the country by freezing most rates except for social care.

Plans to raise Croydon council tax again next year by maximum amount

Croydon's council plans a 4.99% tax increase to address significant financial difficulties and historic debt. This could lead to the highest council tax levels ever.

Chancellor could double council tax in the Autumn Budget - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Councils may require a 10% council tax increase to successfully build 1.5 million affordable homes in five years, according to new research.

Starmer 'could neither confirm nor deny whether the cap on council tax was being raised' - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch debated council tax hikes and funding shortages amid concerns over social care financing during PMQs.

North London borough warns finances 'at breaking point' as council tax and waste service charge hikes loom

Brent Council is raising taxes and cutting services to manage a projected £16 million deficit amid unprecedented financial challenges.

Council tax in England set to rise by up to 5%

Council tax rates in England will rise by up to 5% in April 2025, impacting average households significantly amid budget pressures.

Where in London would you pay the highest and lowest amount of council tax?

London boroughs have varying council tax rates, with some charging over 2,000 a year.
Wandsworth plans to have the lowest council tax in the country by freezing most rates except for social care.

Plans to raise Croydon council tax again next year by maximum amount

Croydon's council plans a 4.99% tax increase to address significant financial difficulties and historic debt. This could lead to the highest council tax levels ever.

Chancellor could double council tax in the Autumn Budget - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Councils may require a 10% council tax increase to successfully build 1.5 million affordable homes in five years, according to new research.

Starmer 'could neither confirm nor deny whether the cap on council tax was being raised' - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch debated council tax hikes and funding shortages amid concerns over social care financing during PMQs.

North London borough warns finances 'at breaking point' as council tax and waste service charge hikes loom

Brent Council is raising taxes and cutting services to manage a projected £16 million deficit amid unprecedented financial challenges.

Council tax in England set to rise by up to 5%

Council tax rates in England will rise by up to 5% in April 2025, impacting average households significantly amid budget pressures.
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#financial-strain

Council tax bills could rise by more than 100 next year as Labour keeps cap in place

Support independent journalism to ensure accessible reporting without paywalls.
Council tax increases may significantly impact households, signaling financial strain on communities.

London's soaring council taxes have crossed the 2,000-a-year mark in almost half of boroughs

Council tax in London has risen above £2,000 a year in nearly half of the city's boroughs.
Residents in Kingston will be paying the most at £2,374.32 annually, while Wandsworth remains the cheapest at £961 per year.

Council tax bills could rise by more than 100 next year as Labour keeps cap in place

Support independent journalism to ensure accessible reporting without paywalls.
Council tax increases may significantly impact households, signaling financial strain on communities.

London's soaring council taxes have crossed the 2,000-a-year mark in almost half of boroughs

Council tax in London has risen above £2,000 a year in nearly half of the city's boroughs.
Residents in Kingston will be paying the most at £2,374.32 annually, while Wandsworth remains the cheapest at £961 per year.
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Labour will raise council tax by an additional 1.8 billion in 2025 - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

The anticipated council tax increase signals a significant financial burden on residents, particularly those in band D homes.
#local-government-funding

London's 2,000-a-year council tax bombshell as average bill passes landmark in almost half of boroughs

Residents in 15 London local authorities will pay over 2,000 in council tax from April for Band D properties or higher.
London councils are facing a financial squeeze due to rising demand for services and reduced resources.

Council tax bills could rise by 5% after Labour keeps cap in place

Labour confirmed council tax hikes will be maintained at the 5% cap, potentially raising bills by 100 for average families.

Council Tax Calculator: How much will bills rise in my area?

Council tax bill to rise by 106 on average this year
Local authorities protecting frontline services through tax increase

London's 2,000-a-year council tax bombshell as average bill passes landmark in almost half of boroughs

Residents in 15 London local authorities will pay over 2,000 in council tax from April for Band D properties or higher.
London councils are facing a financial squeeze due to rising demand for services and reduced resources.

Council tax bills could rise by 5% after Labour keeps cap in place

Labour confirmed council tax hikes will be maintained at the 5% cap, potentially raising bills by 100 for average families.

Council Tax Calculator: How much will bills rise in my area?

Council tax bill to rise by 106 on average this year
Local authorities protecting frontline services through tax increase
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What are council tax bands and can you change yours?

Council tax bands determine property tax based on historical values, influencing costs for homeowners and tenants.
Awareness of the appeals process and how bands are defined is crucial for fiscal fairness.

Tourism hotspot cuts council tax on second homes

Pembrokeshire council cut the second home council tax from 200% to 150% despite concerns over funding and service cuts.

'Give bailiffs the ban, before they rob your nan'

Protestors in Haringey demand an end to bailiff usage for council tax debts, advocating for more compassionate collection methods.
#debt-collection

Martin Lewis launches attack on local councils: Like loan sharks'

UK council tax collection practices are criticized for being predatory, especially towards vulnerable individuals with mental health issues.

Martin Lewis slams councils for acting like worst loan sharks' over tax collection

Council tax collection practices are critiqued as excessively aggressive and damaging, particularly for vulnerable individuals.

Martin Lewis launches attack on local councils: Like loan sharks'

UK council tax collection practices are criticized for being predatory, especially towards vulnerable individuals with mental health issues.

Martin Lewis slams councils for acting like worst loan sharks' over tax collection

Council tax collection practices are critiqued as excessively aggressive and damaging, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
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#cost-of-living-crisis

Havering Council yet to claim millions of pounds in council tax payments

Havering Council faces millions in uncollected council tax, with rising shortfalls over recent years.

This London borough has the cheapest council tax

Council tax across the country to increase by up to 4.99 percent in April
Wandsworth in London offers the cheapest council tax rate, likely to be the lowest in the country

Havering Council yet to claim millions of pounds in council tax payments

Havering Council faces millions in uncollected council tax, with rising shortfalls over recent years.

This London borough has the cheapest council tax

Council tax across the country to increase by up to 4.99 percent in April
Wandsworth in London offers the cheapest council tax rate, likely to be the lowest in the country
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from Business Matters
2 months ago

Four million pensioners face council tax hike as single-person discount under threat

Potential removal of the single occupier council tax discount could worsen financial stress for millions of pensioners.

Former Sunak adviser urges Labour to introduce wealth tax on housing

Council tax and stamp duty should be abolished in favor of a fairer, proportional tax system, according to economist Tim Leunig.

Londoners hit with raft of inflation-busting essential bill increases from today

Londoners will see inflation-busting increases in various essential bills on April 1, including council tax, road tax, broadband, and water.
Average annual council tax bill in England and Wales is rising by 106 to 473 a year from April 1, with some water companies increasing bills significantly.

The household bills that are just about to get more expensive

Households in the UK facing steep price increases for various bills on April 1.
Council tax, water bills, broadband, and mobile contracts all set to rise significantly.
#local-authorities

Average council tax to rise by 100' as local authorities seek to collect extra 2bn

Council tax is likely to increase by the maximum amount possible as local authorities hope to boost their finances.
Increasing council tax could disproportionately impact poorer households.

Local authority leaders criticise Sunak's call for restrained' council tax rises

Council leaders criticize Rishi Sunak for demanding restraint in council tax rises, blaming government underfunding.
Prime Minister calls on local councils to be respectful of people's budgets while some councils are requesting permission to raise taxes by more than 5%.

Mapped: How much council tax will rise in your area this year

Council tax bill will rise by 106 this year on average for a Band D property in England.
Councils are struggling to provide frontline services and are facing funding challenges despite recent boosts.

Average council tax to rise by 100' as local authorities seek to collect extra 2bn

Council tax is likely to increase by the maximum amount possible as local authorities hope to boost their finances.
Increasing council tax could disproportionately impact poorer households.

Local authority leaders criticise Sunak's call for restrained' council tax rises

Council leaders criticize Rishi Sunak for demanding restraint in council tax rises, blaming government underfunding.
Prime Minister calls on local councils to be respectful of people's budgets while some councils are requesting permission to raise taxes by more than 5%.

Mapped: How much council tax will rise in your area this year

Council tax bill will rise by 106 this year on average for a Band D property in England.
Councils are struggling to provide frontline services and are facing funding challenges despite recent boosts.
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Bexley council tax rise means average household bills will be more than 2.1k a year

Bexley Council raises council tax to address overspend
Council investing in local services and affordable housing
#public-services

Tell us if council tax is value-for-money as annual bills set to rise

Council tax in England set to increase by 4.99% in April, aiming to raise £2bn.
Council tax funds various essential services such as street lamps, libraries, and emergency services.

Would-be first ministers urged to put public services top of the list'

The three candidates running to be Scotland's next first minister are being urged to commit to making sure public services remain a priority.Leaders of the trade union Unison made the plea to current Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and former community safety minister Ash Regan as the contest to replace Nicola Sturgeon continues.

Tube and London bus fares to rise by nearly 6% from March

Passengers using public transport in London face an average hike in fares of 5.9% from March 5 under proposals announced by mayor Sadiq Khan.The plan means the weekly cap for using buses and trams in the capital is set to increase by 1.40 to 24.70.London Underground passengers will see the weekly cap for travel in zones one and three rise by 3 to 48.

London Tube and bus ticket prices to rise by 6 per cent from March

London Underground Prices and London Bus fares will increase in March (Image: PA) Commuters will have to spend more to travel across London in the coming months after plans to increase fare prices were announced.It comes to an average fare hike of 5.9% from March 5 under new proposals confirmed by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

Postcode lottery' sees areas worst hit by crime face tax rise to fund police

A postcode lottery is seeing areas suffering the most from crime facing tax rises to pay for local policing, the Police Federation has warned.The government has announced an annual funding increase of up to 523m for local forces in England and Wales, but the figure relies on increases to council tax that could generate 349m.

Tell us if council tax is value-for-money as annual bills set to rise

Council tax in England set to increase by 4.99% in April, aiming to raise £2bn.
Council tax funds various essential services such as street lamps, libraries, and emergency services.

Would-be first ministers urged to put public services top of the list'

The three candidates running to be Scotland's next first minister are being urged to commit to making sure public services remain a priority.Leaders of the trade union Unison made the plea to current Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and former community safety minister Ash Regan as the contest to replace Nicola Sturgeon continues.

Tube and London bus fares to rise by nearly 6% from March

Passengers using public transport in London face an average hike in fares of 5.9% from March 5 under proposals announced by mayor Sadiq Khan.The plan means the weekly cap for using buses and trams in the capital is set to increase by 1.40 to 24.70.London Underground passengers will see the weekly cap for travel in zones one and three rise by 3 to 48.

London Tube and bus ticket prices to rise by 6 per cent from March

London Underground Prices and London Bus fares will increase in March (Image: PA) Commuters will have to spend more to travel across London in the coming months after plans to increase fare prices were announced.It comes to an average fare hike of 5.9% from March 5 under new proposals confirmed by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

Postcode lottery' sees areas worst hit by crime face tax rise to fund police

A postcode lottery is seeing areas suffering the most from crime facing tax rises to pay for local policing, the Police Federation has warned.The government has announced an annual funding increase of up to 523m for local forces in England and Wales, but the figure relies on increases to council tax that could generate 349m.
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#bankruptcy

Mapped: UK's biggest council tax hikes coming in this April

Council tax to rise by maximum amount allowed without referendum in many UK councils.
Financial pressures lead councils to hike taxes; fears of possible bankruptcies in local authorities.

Rishi Sunak criticises local authorities for requesting steep council tax rises

Rishi Sunak criticizes local councils for requesting permission to raise council tax by more than 5% amid funding shortfalls.
Councils in England are facing a funding crisis as their grant funding from central government has fallen by 40% from 2010 to 2020.

Mapped: UK's biggest council tax hikes coming in this April

Council tax to rise by maximum amount allowed without referendum in many UK councils.
Financial pressures lead councils to hike taxes; fears of possible bankruptcies in local authorities.

Rishi Sunak criticises local authorities for requesting steep council tax rises

Rishi Sunak criticizes local councils for requesting permission to raise council tax by more than 5% amid funding shortfalls.
Councils in England are facing a funding crisis as their grant funding from central government has fallen by 40% from 2010 to 2020.
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Wandsworth council sets London's lowest council tax as more boroughs prepare to issue 2,000 bills

Wandsworth council plans to set lowest council tax in London, with only social care spending increasing.
Kingston is expected to have the highest council tax bills in London, with Band D bill projected at 2,374.
#people

Labour says huge BP profits are unearned windfall of war'

Opposition parties have renewed their calls for the government to close a loophole in its windfall tax on energy giants after BP said it made more than half-a-billion pounds more than expected in just three months.The oil giant said it made just under 4bn in underlying profit between January and March, citing a strong performance in its oil trading business.

Labour calls for energy firms to pay more tax on 60m-a-day profits

Energy companies are making 60m in profits a day from operations in the North Sea and should be paying more in tax to fund a freeze on council tax for cash-strapped households, according to Labour.Labour's call comes before the latest financial updates from Shell and BP this week.The energy companies are expected to report more bumper profits to the London market due to the spike in prices caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

55% of people expect Tories to lose seats in local elections, poll suggests

More than half the public expects the Conservatives to lose seats at the local elections on Thursday, a poll suggests.Some 55% of people told Ipsos UK that they thought the Tories would lose seats while just 9% thought the party would make gains.The picture for Labour was much better, with 45% saying they expected the party to pick up council seats.

Cost of everyday essentials have soared by 3,500 since 2019, says Labour

The cost of everyday essentials have gone up by 3,500 over the last three years, Labour has said.The party said official data shows that since December 2019, housing, fuel and power have gone up by 1,480 while food and non-alcoholic drinks have increased by 700.Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said the figures are a mark of 13 years of Tory failure that have left families worse off, public services on their knees and brilliant British businesses on the brink.

Rishi Sunak branded Mr One Percent' by Keir Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer branded Rishi Sunak Mr One Percent as the Labour leader launched his party's campaign for the May local elections.With Labour hoping to pick up seats in the May 4 polls in England, Sir Keir sought to contrast its approach with the Tories' decision in the Budget to ease pension taxes for the well-off with the scrapping of the tax-free lifetime allowance cap.

Rachel Reeves says Labour does not plan to increase capital gains tax

Labour does not plan to increase capital gains tax, shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated, despite deputy leader Angela Rayner appearing to suggest rates were too low.Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last week released a summary of his tax affairs, which showed that his tax rate was about 22% because most of his earnings came from capital gains which are taxed at a lower rate than income.

Labour says huge BP profits are unearned windfall of war'

Opposition parties have renewed their calls for the government to close a loophole in its windfall tax on energy giants after BP said it made more than half-a-billion pounds more than expected in just three months.The oil giant said it made just under 4bn in underlying profit between January and March, citing a strong performance in its oil trading business.

Labour calls for energy firms to pay more tax on 60m-a-day profits

Energy companies are making 60m in profits a day from operations in the North Sea and should be paying more in tax to fund a freeze on council tax for cash-strapped households, according to Labour.Labour's call comes before the latest financial updates from Shell and BP this week.The energy companies are expected to report more bumper profits to the London market due to the spike in prices caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

55% of people expect Tories to lose seats in local elections, poll suggests

More than half the public expects the Conservatives to lose seats at the local elections on Thursday, a poll suggests.Some 55% of people told Ipsos UK that they thought the Tories would lose seats while just 9% thought the party would make gains.The picture for Labour was much better, with 45% saying they expected the party to pick up council seats.

Cost of everyday essentials have soared by 3,500 since 2019, says Labour

The cost of everyday essentials have gone up by 3,500 over the last three years, Labour has said.The party said official data shows that since December 2019, housing, fuel and power have gone up by 1,480 while food and non-alcoholic drinks have increased by 700.Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said the figures are a mark of 13 years of Tory failure that have left families worse off, public services on their knees and brilliant British businesses on the brink.

Rishi Sunak branded Mr One Percent' by Keir Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer branded Rishi Sunak Mr One Percent as the Labour leader launched his party's campaign for the May local elections.With Labour hoping to pick up seats in the May 4 polls in England, Sir Keir sought to contrast its approach with the Tories' decision in the Budget to ease pension taxes for the well-off with the scrapping of the tax-free lifetime allowance cap.

Rachel Reeves says Labour does not plan to increase capital gains tax

Labour does not plan to increase capital gains tax, shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated, despite deputy leader Angela Rayner appearing to suggest rates were too low.Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last week released a summary of his tax affairs, which showed that his tax rate was about 22% because most of his earnings came from capital gains which are taxed at a lower rate than income.
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#local-elections

Lib Dem leader Davey targets betrayed' Tory voters

Sir Ed Davey joked that heavy machinery would be required to clean up the mess left by the Conservatives as he took a ride in a tractor to launch his local election campaign.The Liberal Democrat leader is targeting Tory voters who he claims have been betrayed by the Government ahead of May's council contests in England.

Newham Green leader Danny Keeling storms out of council meeting after being repeatedly misgendered

T he leader of Newham's Green party walked out of the borough's full council meeting on Monday night after being repeatedly misgendered by Labour councillors.Danny Keeling, who is non-binary, accused colleagues of discrimination following the meeting.The Stratford Olympic Park councillor was speaking against Newham Labour's budget plans when they were referred to as he by council chairman Winston Vaughan.

Lib Dem leader Davey targets betrayed' Tory voters

Sir Ed Davey joked that heavy machinery would be required to clean up the mess left by the Conservatives as he took a ride in a tractor to launch his local election campaign.The Liberal Democrat leader is targeting Tory voters who he claims have been betrayed by the Government ahead of May's council contests in England.

Newham Green leader Danny Keeling storms out of council meeting after being repeatedly misgendered

T he leader of Newham's Green party walked out of the borough's full council meeting on Monday night after being repeatedly misgendered by Labour councillors.Danny Keeling, who is non-binary, accused colleagues of discrimination following the meeting.The Stratford Olympic Park councillor was speaking against Newham Labour's budget plans when they were referred to as he by council chairman Winston Vaughan.
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#years

Businesses face 300m-per-year bill under new Government proposals'

Businesses across England could be saddled with bills for around 150 a year under new Government proposals intended to help them with their tax.A requirement for businesses to update the Government annually could cost a total of around 300 million a year, analysis by Gerald Eve, a real-estate advisory company, has found.

What the papers say March 24

A variety of stories feature on Friday's front pages from the rise in interest rates and council tax topping 2,000, to a wealthy Nigerian politician and his wife facing jail for an organ-harvesting plot.The Daily Telegraph reports that Labour's deputy leader suggested that the party should raise tax on savings and investments.

Croydon Council says it's too poor to join legal action against Ulez expansion

C roydon Council is not joining five other London councils taking legal action against the Ulez expansion - because, it says, it cannot afford to.The local authority was left 1.6 billion in debt when Labour lost power last May.The bankrupt council has for months opposed the Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion to outer London boroughs, which the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) aims to roll out by August.

Sadiq Khan urged to rethink his 40 council tax hike plan

S adiq Khan is facing calls to respond to the cost-of-living crisis by rethinking plans to increase his share of council tax bills by almost 40 a year.Mr Khan has indicated that a 38.55 rise in his share of average bills could be imposed from April, increasing the amount that goes to City Hall by 9.7 per cent, a record amount since he became mayor, ands taking his total demand at Band D to 434.

Mayor of London to raise council tax to fund public transport services - ianVisits

A previously announced plan to raise council tax bills in London to help fund Transport for London (TfL) as it recovers from the pandemic has received government approval.As part of the negotiations with the government over TfL funding, last December, the Mayor proposed plans to increase council tax in London by £20 a year over the next three years.

Businesses face 300m-per-year bill under new Government proposals'

Businesses across England could be saddled with bills for around 150 a year under new Government proposals intended to help them with their tax.A requirement for businesses to update the Government annually could cost a total of around 300 million a year, analysis by Gerald Eve, a real-estate advisory company, has found.

What the papers say March 24

A variety of stories feature on Friday's front pages from the rise in interest rates and council tax topping 2,000, to a wealthy Nigerian politician and his wife facing jail for an organ-harvesting plot.The Daily Telegraph reports that Labour's deputy leader suggested that the party should raise tax on savings and investments.

Croydon Council says it's too poor to join legal action against Ulez expansion

C roydon Council is not joining five other London councils taking legal action against the Ulez expansion - because, it says, it cannot afford to.The local authority was left 1.6 billion in debt when Labour lost power last May.The bankrupt council has for months opposed the Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion to outer London boroughs, which the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) aims to roll out by August.

Sadiq Khan urged to rethink his 40 council tax hike plan

S adiq Khan is facing calls to respond to the cost-of-living crisis by rethinking plans to increase his share of council tax bills by almost 40 a year.Mr Khan has indicated that a 38.55 rise in his share of average bills could be imposed from April, increasing the amount that goes to City Hall by 9.7 per cent, a record amount since he became mayor, ands taking his total demand at Band D to 434.

Mayor of London to raise council tax to fund public transport services - ianVisits

A previously announced plan to raise council tax bills in London to help fund Transport for London (TfL) as it recovers from the pandemic has received government approval.As part of the negotiations with the government over TfL funding, last December, the Mayor proposed plans to increase council tax in London by £20 a year over the next three years.
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#uncertainty

Cost cutting and higher fares pushing TfL into surplus next year

Transport for London ( TfL) expects to break into an operating surplus in 2023/4 as revenues recover from the pandemic but is warning that infrastructure investments are still at risk due to long-term uncertainty.Across the coming financial year, TfL's predicted £9.1bn in revenue will cover its expected £7.9bn

Analysis | The UK Is Playing Politics With the Rental Market

For rent? (Photographer: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images Europe)The housing charity Shelter has its headquarters in Old Street, just a short distance from some of London's oldest social housing projects.Today, the few remaining social tenants rub shoulders with Britain's wealthiest tech entrepreneurs.Yet the outward calm of Shelter's offices and the prosperity of many passersby belies the turmoil in the UK's housing market and in particular the rental sector.

Cost cutting and higher fares pushing TfL into surplus next year

Transport for London ( TfL) expects to break into an operating surplus in 2023/4 as revenues recover from the pandemic but is warning that infrastructure investments are still at risk due to long-term uncertainty.Across the coming financial year, TfL's predicted £9.1bn in revenue will cover its expected £7.9bn

Analysis | The UK Is Playing Politics With the Rental Market

For rent? (Photographer: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images Europe)The housing charity Shelter has its headquarters in Old Street, just a short distance from some of London's oldest social housing projects.Today, the few remaining social tenants rub shoulders with Britain's wealthiest tech entrepreneurs.Yet the outward calm of Shelter's offices and the prosperity of many passersby belies the turmoil in the UK's housing market and in particular the rental sector.
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#effectively

Council tax: Millions facing 5% increases from April

Political correspondent, BBC News

Millions of households are facing an increase in their council tax from April, as local authorities try to balance their books.The County Councils Network (CCN) found three-quarters of English councils with social care duties that have published budget details are planning a 5% hike.

Council tax: Most London boroughs to raise bills by 5%

Image source, PA Media Image caption, The move means millions of Londoners will face council tax hikes of more than 100 from April More than two-thirds of London's local authorities will increase council tax by the maximum possible amount next financial year, the BBC has found.Twenty-three of 33 councils will raise bills by 4.99%, the maximum increase normally allowed without seeking permission through a referendum.

Council tax: Millions facing 5% increases from April

Political correspondent, BBC News

Millions of households are facing an increase in their council tax from April, as local authorities try to balance their books.The County Councils Network (CCN) found three-quarters of English councils with social care duties that have published budget details are planning a 5% hike.

Council tax: Most London boroughs to raise bills by 5%

Image source, PA Media Image caption, The move means millions of Londoners will face council tax hikes of more than 100 from April More than two-thirds of London's local authorities will increase council tax by the maximum possible amount next financial year, the BBC has found.Twenty-three of 33 councils will raise bills by 4.99%, the maximum increase normally allowed without seeking permission through a referendum.
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All London primary school kids will get free school meals for a year

The Mayor of London's new scheme will see 270,000 children at state primary schools given free school meals



The cost-of-living crisis is making it ever more difficult to make ends meet.But if you've currently got little 'uns in primary school, here's something that might ease the load a little.
#westminster

London sees highest and lowest council tax rises in England as five more boroughs hike bills above 2k

L ondon is expected to see the highest and lowest council tax increases in the country this year, analysis revealed on Tuesday.While Croydon residents will be hit by a record 15 per cent rise in bills, those in Tower Hamlets and Westminster will see their payments go up by just two per cent.The majority of Londoners face a five per cent hike in their council tax from April, as town halls seek to balance their books.

London borough plans council tax freeze and 100 rebate for residents

Leaders at the UK's richest local authority have laid out plans to freeze their part of council tax and to make a one-off 100 payment to all households in Bands A to D. The flagship Conservative town hall has endorsed a 2 per cent rise to fund social care, but has proposed not adding the extra 3 per cent it is allowed to this year to pay for general council costs.

London sees highest and lowest council tax rises in England as five more boroughs hike bills above 2k

L ondon is expected to see the highest and lowest council tax increases in the country this year, analysis revealed on Tuesday.While Croydon residents will be hit by a record 15 per cent rise in bills, those in Tower Hamlets and Westminster will see their payments go up by just two per cent.The majority of Londoners face a five per cent hike in their council tax from April, as town halls seek to balance their books.

London borough plans council tax freeze and 100 rebate for residents

Leaders at the UK's richest local authority have laid out plans to freeze their part of council tax and to make a one-off 100 payment to all households in Bands A to D. The flagship Conservative town hall has endorsed a 2 per cent rise to fund social care, but has proposed not adding the extra 3 per cent it is allowed to this year to pay for general council costs.
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Free School Meals Dispute - Nathaniel Carson, Hampton School

Is it morally for some of the wealthiest pupils to get free school meals?(Image: North Yorkshire County Council) Sadiq Khan's free school meal plan causes some unrest Last week, Sadiq Khan the Mayor of London visited his old school in Tooting, to announce his new 130 million plan to give free school meals to every primary school child in London for the academic year 2023-24.

The best and worst secondary schools in Hackney according to Ofsted

The best and worst schools in Hackney according to Ofsted (Image: Google) Secondary school offers for those who applied on time have been released across the country.Councils confirmed the secondary school that your child has a place at on Wednesday (March 1).With that in mind, we have compiled a list of the best and worst rated primary schools in Hackney, according to Ofsted.

Afghan mother-of-two says living in London hotel like a prison' amid affordable housing shortage

A single mother of two who fled Afghanistan when Kabul fell to the Taliban says living in a Watford hotel for six months was like a prison.Former television news anchor Zahra Shaheer is one of thousands of Afghan refugees who have lived in hotels for months on end while waiting for permanent accommodation.

UK tax revenues jumped by 85bn as Covid reliefs phased out OECD

UK tax revenues rose by 85.1 billion over the last financial year, according to figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).The global economic body found that total revenue from taxes across the UK rebounded to 775.6 billion over the year to March 2022, from 690.5 billion a year earlier.

Advertising and subscription models for the BBC won't work', committee says

Purely advertising or subscription models for BBC funding would not work, according to the chairwoman of the Communications and Digital Committee.Tory peer Baroness Stowell of Beeston, said a pure subscription model would not generate enough income and threaten the core principle of access to all.Meanwhile, an advertising-only model would also see a huge reduction in income and damage other public service broadcasting.

Sadiq Khan warns Londoners city hall share of council tax bill will go up by almost 30

S adiq Khan warned Londoners on Friday that his share of council tax bills could rise by an average of almost 30 a year.This will mean a typical household will be paying almost 425 a year to the mayor from April, in addition to about 1,500 or more to their borough council.Mr Khan published a first draft of the Greater London Authority's budget for 2023/24, with a working assumption that benchmark Band D bills will increase by 27.89  a rise of seven per cent.
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