Trafford Council Approves 7.49% Council Tax Hike

0:00On March 6, Trafford Council has approved a 7.49% Council tax increase for the second year running. This bumps the bill for a typical bandy home from 1,722 pounds to 1,851 pounds next, financial year. Keep in mind, that's just the base residence also cover charges for the greater Manchester combined authority, plus police and fire services, pushing. The total even higher. The move stems from tough financial pressures, with the Council securing special government approval to exceed the usual 4.99%. CAP. They also got 12.65 million pounds in exceptional support as borrowing to help balance the books. Leaders point to a stingy funding settlement that only grows their budget by 3.8% over three years, far below the national, average of 15%. Council members blame past tax freezes and a funding review they call unfair, widening their shortfall by 24 million pounds.

1:00To cope, they're cutting 17 million pounds in spending and dipping 5 million pounds from reserves this year. Residents facing rising living costs will feel the pinch, but officials say it's needed for steady revenue. Opposition groups slammed the plan as short-term fixes that rack up debt for the future. Conservatives and Liberal Democrats worry its speeds toward financial collapse without improving services, while Greens mostly back the prudence. But, oppose some projects like a new road. Labor defended it as responsible steps amid inherited problems. The vote split down party lines, passing 40 to 16 with five abstentions. Trafford now eyes longer term fixes to avoid deeper trouble ahead. Head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head head