Cannock council tax bills to rise by two per cent
Council tax bills could rise by nearly two per cent in Cannock next year, under new plans.
Deputy leader Councillor Gordon Alcott said the council needed to take action to ‘keep their heads above water’.
The increase will be discussed by Cannock Chase District Council cabinet meeting tomorrow as part of the financial plan that covers the next three financial years up until 2022.
If approved, council tax in the district will rise 1.95 per cent in each of the years.
Councillor Alcott said: “The recommendation is to increase council tax by 1.95 per cent. It has not been agreed yet, it’s up for discussion at cabinet on Thursday.
"I think the cabinet will go along with the rise, we need to pay balances and keep our head above water.
“The Government are not giving us anymore. The Prime Minister has said austerity is over, but there is no sign of us having anymore cash.
"So unfortunately, it looks like we will have to increase the council tax. It is not something we want to do – but we need to pay staff, balances and continue to provide services.
“And unfortunately that is the result. Our council tax rise will be one of the lowest in the county. It was certainly lower than the county council or police and fire brigade. It was last year and will be the same again this year. We have to balance our books – all our services have to be paid for.”
In the Black Country, council bosses have put forward plans for even bigger council tax rises.
Dudley Council look set to increase council tax by 4.49 per cent, with a final decision set to be taken early next year. While, Wolverhampton residents could see a five per cent rise and a four per cent rise in Sandwell. The financial plan will be discussed by Cannock Chase District Council’s cabinet, before going before full council early next year.
