Many households to face 4% rise in council tax

ITV News research shows many householders will face council tax rises for the first time in years. Credit: Press Association

We are now just weeks away from the next batch of council tax bills being sent to our homes.

ITV News has learned many householders will face rises for the first time in years.

More than 100 English local authorities have new powers to increase council tax by 4%. Previously they were limited to a 2% rise, unless they called a referendum. Now they have powers to double that rise to 4%, as long as they use the extra income to pay for social care.

Among the English councils we spoke to that are planning around a 4% increase for band D properties:

  • Manchester City Council - £46.77 rise

  • Dudley - £44.72

  • Essex County Council £43.38

  • Hartlepool Council - £55.12

  • West Sussex - £45.90

Source: ITV News / Local Government Chronicle

All the councils we spoke to say they are acting reluctantly, aware of the extra burden on bill-payers. With many local authorities planning cuts, households could end up paying more - but getting less.