Trafford Council's 7.49% Council Tax Hike

0:00On March 5, Trafford Council is poised to approve a 7.49% council tax increase this week. It's the second straight year for the hike, which will raise the ban D-rate from 1,722 pounds to 1,08, 151 pounds. The move aims to bring in 3.5 million pounds to help balance the budget. Council leaders blame shortfalls on lower government funding than expected, leaving them 24 million pounds worse off over coming years. They also point to past council tax freezes under the prior administration. To get through this year, they secured a 12.65 million pound government bailout, which must be repaid with interest. Many residents feel cheated, saying services don't match the cost. Complaints focus on crumbling roads full of potholes, delayed bin collections, blocked drains leading to floods, and neglected local facilities that make areas look run down. Opposition members argue the council's own spending choices cause the cash crunch. While most locals see little value, a handful acknowledge some efforts,

1:03but call for fixes like better policing and maintenance before anymore. Increases As the vote wraps up tonight, Trafford faces tough finances ahead, with everyday bills climbing for households already stretched thin.