5% Council Tax rise will horrify people

Lib Dems on Wearside are urging Sunderland Council bosses to reject a 5% increase in Council Tax which people 'just won't be able to pay'.

Opposition Lib Dem councillors in Sunderland are calling on Council bosses to commit to freezing Council Tax or keeping rises to an absolute minimum.

It comes after Chancellor of the Exchequer announced today that Councils will be allowed to raise Council Tax by up to 5%.

Speaking after the Chancellor's statement Niall Hodson said:

"People in Sunderland struggling with the cost of living emergency will be horrified at the prospect of 5% Council Tax rises. The last thing they need is yet another huge hike in their Council Tax bills next year.

"Quite simply people just won't be able to pay if Sunderland Labour bosses follow the Chancellor's lead and whack up Council Tax by a huge amount.

"Sunderland Council must do everything possible to ease the pain for local people. One of the things the Council does have control over is the rate they set Council Tax bills at. That's why Lib Dem councillors are calling on the ruling Cabinet to commit - now - to freezing or limiting the rise in Council Tax next year."