£100 Million extra but they want MORE!

Since our last update, the Government has now approved BCP Council to raise council tax by 6.74%, above the normal referendum threshold. The Liberal Democrat led administration are denying residents their right to vote as to whether or not they will accept a council tax increase above the capped limit of 4.99%.

For many families across BCP, this comes at the worst possible time. The cost of living remains high, bills continue to rise and on top of this increase, residents will also face new town council precepts, pushing overall council tax bills even higher for some households.

While the labour government have allowed the rules to be waived on this occasion it does not remove the responsibility on the council to fully justify why residents are being asked to pay substantially more. People are rightly questioning why higher taxes are being pursued while additional layers of governance and their ongoing costs are being introduced at the same time.

The administration continues to argue that this increase is unavoidable. Whilst BCP claim poverty their income has increased by over £100m since its creation and the remaining budget gap represents only a small proportion of the council’s overall finances. Against that backdrop, it is reasonable to ask whether all alternatives have been properly explored in public before asking residents for more.

The Lib Dems have now been in control of BCP Council for nearly three years. These decisions are theirs and responsibility for them cannot continue to be passed elsewhere.

BCP Conservatives will continue to challenge this approach, demand transparency and stand up for residents who are being asked to pay more while confidence in how the council manages its finances continues to be tested.

Residents deserve honesty, accountability and a council that listens.