Council tax to rise in Stoke-on-Trent
People living in Band A homes will pay just shy of £29 more this year
Last updated 5th Jan 2022
People living in Stoke-on-Trent are set to see their Council Tax bill increase this year to pay for children's and adult social care.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has proposed an increase of 2.99%, the maximum amount without a referendum, in its 2022/23 budget.
Leaders have told Greatest Hits Radio News it's to support those most vulnerable and most in need in the city.
"It's not a decision that we undertake lightly." said Councillor Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
"Our Band D Council Tax is the 8th lowest compared to 93 metropolitan and unitary councils, and on average we have the 5th lowest average per Council Tax dwelling.
"There will be a proposed increase in council tax 2.99%, of which 1% will be for Adult Social Care - and we're strongly encouraged by the government to raise that - and then a further 1.99 which we will direct towards Children's Services.
"This will be for improving outcomes for children, young people and also continue to support the most vulnerable in the city."
The City is experiencing "extraordinary demands for services"
It means for people living in Band A properties, which make up almost 60% of all homes in the city, the annual bill will increase by £28.41 - equivalent to fifty-five pence extra per week. Those in Band B and C properties will see annual increases of £33.15 and £37.89.
"I think, you know, the wider context is that the majority of councils across the country will be increasing Council Tax, we're strongly encouraged to do so by the government, and I do want to reassure residents that we work really hard to try and squeeze every bit as much as we can." said Councillor Brown.
"The fact actually, that we're raising council tax by 2.99%, with all of that going towards the most vulnerable in our city demonstrates that we continue to squeeze everything as much as we possibly can to ensure that we're getting good value for money."
How is Council Tax worked out?
Council tax bills are based upon bands and charged as a proportion of the Band D, for example a Band A property is 2/3rds of a Band D property.
Stoke-on-Trent has a high proportion (93%) of properties in Bands A-C, which is the 2nd highest of all billing authorities.
Bands A-C residents pay less Council Tax than Band D. This means that the overall tax base in the city is low.
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