Trafford residents face a significant increase in council tax next year, prompting widespread criticism and concerns about the value of services provided. The 7.49% hike, coupled with a £45 annual charge for green bin emptying, is attributed to a budget deficit exacerbated by the Chancellor's National Insurance hike. Residents express frustration over inadequate services, missed bin collections, and questionable spending priorities while the council defends its position, citing the impact of previous government funding cuts and the complex funding formula.
Cafe owner Georgie Grzesiak's reaction to Trafford council's proposed 7.49% council tax hike, coupled with a new £45 annual charge for emptying green bins, was a simple, 'What am I paying for?'. This increase, which brings the total rise to 10% for a Band D property, is attributed to a £12 million budget hole for 2025/26, largely due to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' hike in National Insurance contributions for employers, according to council bosses.
While Georgie acknowledged the services provided, Urmston resident, who wished to remain anonymous, condemned the increase as a 'scandal', highlighting the additional burden on households already grappling with inflation. He compared it to a 10% phone bill hike, which would lead him to switch providers. Stefan Boskovic, a 58-year-old single occupant, expressed concern about the removal of his 30% single occupancy discount, arguing that the council failed to recognize the financial constraints of individuals with a single income. He also criticized the allocation of funds for projects like £30,000 worth of sun loungers on King Street, deeming it 'crazy'. John Wilkinson, 84, receives a 25% discount due to his age but voiced his disapproval of the additional charges, stating that many services were already lacking. Residents like Sue Partington, Catherine McLaughlin, and Susan Gleeson shared their experiences of inadequate street cleaning, missed bin collections, and the prioritization of unused cycle lanes over essential services. Karen Grattson, while acknowledging the 'no choice' in paying the increased council tax, Nigel Young recognized the complexities of the situation, attributing the council's predicament to the removal of funding for social care by the previous Conservative government while Bruce Reynolds, 82, voiced his disapproval of the Kingsway revamp and ongoing roadworks. Trafford Council leader Coun Tom Ross acknowledged the impact of Chancellor Reeves' National Insurance hike on their finances. Despite receiving a £600 million one-off recovery grant for English councils, Trafford and Stockport received nothing due to their lower deprivation levels, as calculated by the funding formula. Coun Ross expressed understanding of the council's position, stating that they had anticipated receiving minimal funding based on the formula's criteri
TRAFFORD COUNCIL TAX RESIDENT PROTEST BUDGET DEFICIT NATIONAL INSURANCE COUNCIL SERVICES VALUE FOR MONEY LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING
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