Wolverhampton council tax increase to 'protect vital services'
Council tax is set to rise by almost five per cent in Wolverhampton in a bid avoid "significant cuts" to essential services amid Covid-19.
Wolverhampton Council said council tax would rise by 1.99 per cent – with a further three per cent increase for adult social care.
Leaders have said the rise is necessary to balance the books for 2021-2022 due to the financial pressures caused by the pandemic.
Councillor Louise Miles, cabinet member for resources, said Government chiefs had told all councils to increase council tax.
She said: "We have been told by Government what we can expect to receive for the coming financial year and we welcome the fact they are providing the money to pay for the immediate, emergency phase of the pandemic.
"Work is ongoing to prepare next year’s budget and the detail will be shared in February, but based on current information we are confident we will be able to set a balanced budget without needing to significantly cut the services our communities rely on.
"However, this will only be possible by increasing council tax and imposing the levy to pay for adult social care which Government has told all councils it expects them to do and has factored this into their funding formula, thus passing the burden onto local residents."
The finance chief also called for the Government to fund councils properly – and ensure council tax doesn't have to keep increasing each year to pay for essential services.
A consultation with residents and businesses will take place over the proposals before the authority's budget is finalised in March.
