Council tax 6% rise for social care given go ahead by Government

Local authorities will be allowed to raise council tax by 6% over the next two years in a bid to plug the gap in social care funding.

The Government estimated a 3% increase will raise £208 million in 2017/18, while a further hike in 2018/19 another £444 million.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid claimed that almost £900 million extra will now be made available to local communities for social care funding - including a £240 million "adult social care support grant".

"In recognition of the immediate challenges that are facing the care market, we will now allow local councils to raise this funding sooner if they wish," Mr Javid announced in the Commons.

Labour said people face higher taxes but worse public services for their money.