Residents in Bradford unhappy about council tax increase
A council tax increase of 4.99% was approved by Bradford Council, which comes after an 9.99% increase last year
A council tax increase of 4.99% was approved by Bradford Council on Tuesday, during a heated meeting between councillors.
This comes a year after Labour members voted for a 9.99% tax rise, which led campaigners to protest in Centenary Square.
Some people living in Bradford tell us they are not happy about the maximum rise. Andy, who lives in Idle said: “Families are getting hit quite hard” after last year’s increase, and that he is now doing less activities like shopping and eating out.
Both the Green and Liberal Democrat groups also proposed a 4.99% increase, but the Conservative budget suggested a lower 3.99%.
The Independent Group condemned the Labour budget, saying late Labour politician, Tony Benn, would be “ashamed” of the proposal, but the group had failed to produce a budget of their own.
Labour Councillor, Kamran Hussain, criticised them for being “the only ones who have failed to produce a budget”
One member retaliated, “we don’t need a budget, it’s your job.”
Council Leader, Susan Hinchliffe, said that the Labour budget will see extra money for enforcement and youth services and will help invest in Bradford’s future.