The mayoral precept, a portion of council tax, will increase to support the Bee Network, a new public transport system. The rise will also help fund the fire service, which faces budget cuts.
Greater Manchester residents will see a rise in their council tax bills in the spring to help fund the Bee Network , a publicly-controlled transport system. The mayoral precept, a portion of council tax collected by local authorities and paid to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), will increase by £16 for a Band D property next financial year. While Band D households will pay £128.95 for the precept, most residents live in lower-banded homes and will see a smaller increase.
The rise is primarily aimed at covering the costs incurred by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) in establishing the Bee Network. Initially, officials planned a two-year surge with a £12.20 jump in 2025. However, Mayor Andy Burnham decided to delay the increase until after the Bee Network buses were rolled out across the city-region, citing fairness concerns. He stated that the new publicly-controlled system was already delivering better value for money compared to the previous deregulated system, and rising passenger numbers would generate additional revenue to cover service costs.The remaining £5 of the increase for a Band D property will go towards funding the fire service, which faces budgetary challenges due to government cuts. Deputy Mayor Kate Green acknowledged these difficulties, stating that the fire settlement presented a reduction in cash terms and would necessitate difficult decisions. Two-thirds of the mayoral precept is allocated to the fire service, with £86.20 going to fire crews and the remaining £42.75 funding other mayoral general functions, including transport. Mayor Burnham emphasized the difficult financial climate and the GMCA's commitment to mitigating pressures on residents. The precept increases were approved unanimously by Mayor Burnham and all 10 Greater Manchester council leaders
Greater Manchester Council Tax Bee Network Transport Fire Service Budget Cuts
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