Reform UK and the Taxpayers’ Alliance have teamed up in Trafford to fight the proposed 7.49% council tax rise. Paul Swansborough and his campaign team are encouraging everyone to contact their local councillors to voice their opinion before the final vote on the 26th March. Using an on-line tool, facilitated by the alliance, people can send an email direct to their elected members by visiting www.taxpayersalliance.com/trafford
The above inflation increase will have a direct impact on thousands of residents across the borough, who are already struggling with record high energy bills and ever increasing food prices. Not forgetting the £50 opt-in charge for the green bin from April.
Commenting on rising council tax, Paul Swansborough said:
“I’m extremely disappointed that neither Sara Todd or the Labour leader Tom Ross have bothered to reply to my communication that I sent almost four weeks ago. Their silence over this issue deeply concerns me.
The council tax hike is of significant public interest that, in my mind, deserves proper engagement from those responsible for decision-making. Especially when the requirement for a referendum, laid down in the local government finance act 1992, has been completely disregarded. The very legislation that was put in place to protect us from council tax rises over 5%. Many will also remember that during the 2024 election campaign that Keir Starmer stated publicly that Labour would freeze council tax in 2025. The electorate feels betrayed by this government, who pledged not to increase taxes on working people, and is doing exactly that! The change in employers national insurance contributions is having a negative effect on economic growth and has actually put local authorities under further pressure.
The mere fact that this budget is being rushed through at the eleventh hour, with no time for proper scrutiny or public consultation, gives the impression of a council that no longer cares what we think. Particularly in the knowledge, that the there was never any intention up until November last year, to apply for exceptional financial support from central government.”