Brighton and Hove City Council intend to raise the rate of council tax by over 4% for 2020/21, it was announced in their budget last Thursday.
These increases will see the average Band D council tax bill rise from £1,659.11 to £1,954.55 for Brighton and Hove residents.
The Council claims that these increases, alongside increases to parking charges, are necessary if the council is to meet its funding needs. Labour Leader of the Council Cllr Nancy Platts said:
The ongoing climate of austerity has placed a burden on local authorities by pushing up demand for vital services while also slashing the resources and funds we need to deliver services.
In spite of this, many residents feel that the money required to bridge the funding gap could be found somewhere other than the pockets of ordinary people. Alongside the announcement of these tax increases, the Council announced that it would be investing £13 million in the restoration of Madeira Terrace.
Hove resident Henry Gunter, 24, who works in the Charity Sector, said that he is “extremely concerned” about the proposed increases:
With rents as high as they are in Brighton, I already struggle to cope. Council tax is already sky high as well and is a big hit to my salary every month. I think these increases will mean a lot of people will struggle even more to live in the city.
If they are serious about putting council tax up, then at the very least we need to see an improved service from the Council. Just look at the current state of rubbish collection around the city – and they expect us to pay even more! Maybe they could do something to ensure wages go up in line with these increases.
What do you think about this announcement? Please let us know in the comments, and keep an eye out for our upcoming interview with the Council.
Featured image: Brighton Town Hall © Wikimedia.
