Council tax will go up by 4.69%

Council tax bill

An increase to council tax of almost 5% has been approved by Rochdale Borough Council – meaning that local residents will have to pay a minimum of £58 extra a year from April.

Almost all councillors at Wednesday’s full council meeting voted in favour of the increase, except the two present Liberal Democrats, Councillors Irene Davidson and Andy Kelly, who abstained from voting.

Speaking in the council chamber, council leader Allen Brett said he was both ‘sad and angry’ about having to propose a council tax increase of almost 5%.

Councillor Brett added: “Over the last 10 years we have had to reduce our budget by almost £200 million because of significant cuts to our government funding. This has had a huge impact on our ability to deliver the services our residents need more than ever. The council is still investing in core public services such as caring for older people, children’s services, maintaining our roads and much more.

“We are increasing council tax as most other councils in our position are being forced to do and we have a budget that does its best to protect the most vulnerable and we have listened and acted on views received during public consultation.

“We’re working hard to ensure we continue to run an effective and efficient council although we do need the support of government and a fair funding settlement going forward.”

Faced with a £14m funding gap, council bosses have opted to hike council tax by the maximum 3.99% allowed by government rules – 1.99% for general purposes and 2% for adult social care.

But with the Greater Manchester Mayor’s policing precept expected to rise by the maximum £10 and the general precept by £14 (partly to fund bus reform) Rochdale residents are looking at an overall increase of 4.69%.

Those living in Band A properties – the majority of homes in the borough – will pay an extra £58 per year, bringing their annual bill to £1,296.25.

People living in Band D homes – the traditional council tax benchmark – will pay an extra £87 per year – equating to an overall bill of just over £1,944.

Additional reporting: Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporting Service