Plea to ditch 3% Sunderland Council Tax rise to help with cost of living emergency

Lib Dem councillors are calling on Sunderland Council bosses to commit to freezing or limiting rises in Council Tax next year - after they approved plans based on a 2.99% rise.

Sunderland Council's ruling cabinet met last week and approved the authority's 'Budget Planning Framework and Medium Term Financial Plan 2023/2024 - 2026/2027'. The plan is based on a 2.99% Council Tax rise next year.

But there are concerns from Lib Dem councillors that local people won't be able to afford a rise in Council Tax when other bills and costs are soaring.

Pallion and Ford Estate councillor, and deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, Martin Haswell commented:

"People across Sunderland, Washington, Houghton and Hetton are really struggling with the cost of living emergency. The last thing they need is yet another hike in their Council Tax bills next year.

"I appreciate that Sunderland Council has a difficult job to do with inflation soaring and the Government having crashed the economy - but it is the job of councillors to do what is right for people living in our city.

"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."