Walsall council tax bills set to increase by 2.99 per cent

Walsall Council’s cabinet is expected to agree to a total raise of 2.99 per cent – with one per cent ring fenced for adult social care services – for the 2022/23 year when it meets next week to discuss the budget.

Last year, overall council tax bills were increased by 4.99 per cent, with three per cent ring-fenced for social care services.

The authority faces more than £18 million cuts to its revenue budget to deliver services for 2022/23, with more than £35 million further savings having to be made in the following three years.

The capital budget – spending on major projects – will be set at £186.96 million, using external and council money for schemes including the Town Deal for Bloxwich and Walsall, Willenhall Garden City, refurbishments to Darlaston Baths and the New Art Gallery, highways maintenance and street lighting.

A report to members said just 12 residents and one business took part in an online survey during the consultation in November and December last year.

But of those who responded, eight said they did not want to see an increase in the general council tax of 1.99 per cent. Nine of them said they didn’t agree with a further one per cent rise for adult social care.

One resident said: “Residents cannot afford this charge you will be increasing people’s poverty yet cutting services they will need to cope.”

Another responded by saying: “We shouldn’t have to pay more. We pay enough as it is.”

And one person said: “Walsall Council has without question the highest council tax bands in neighbouring authorities.

“Every single year the council tax rates increase by the allowed rate of 1.99 per cent.

“You say that the majority of houses in the borough are in Bands A and B – unfortunately these are the people who feel the increase in council tax the most.

“Many of these people are on minimum wage or earn well under the average salary and knowing that there will be an increase in council tax every year, especially when council services are slightly reduced, is a source of anxiety for many people.

“I don’t believe council tax should be increased so that it can be more in line with other neighbouring authorities. I don’t see why Walsall has the highest council tax rates in the local area.”

Two comments received in support said: “This would help to provide more money so it can’t be taken off the children” and “So long as services are kept in place!”

And another who supported the extra one per cent rise added: “As the partner of a receiver of social care I understand how important this service is.”

Around 68 per cent of residents live in lowest Band A and B properties, the figure rising to 95 per cent including Band C.

The anticipated* final annual council tax fees for 2022/23 (with last year’s total in brackets) are:

• BAND A: £1,455.61 (£1,408.30)

• BAND B: £1,698.21 (£1,643.02)

• BAND C: £1,940.81 (£1,877.73)

• BAND D: £2,183.42 (£2,112.46)

• BAND E: £2,668.63 (£2,581.89)

• BAND F: £3,153.84 (£3,051.32)

• BAND G: £3,639.02 (£3,520.76)

• BAND H: £4,366.84 (£4,224.90)

*The final overall council tax bill people pay includes precepts charged by the police and fire authorities. Walsall Council said, at present, draft figures have been provided by the two and therefore could change.