Merton's Council Tax will be hiked - despite cost of living emergency

Merton's Council Tax will be hiked next year – despite the cost of living emergency.

This week, Labour Council bosses revealed a plan to increase Council Tax to the max, without even looking at other options.

Given the cost of living emergency, Liberal Democrat councillors had proposed examining the possibility of a Council Tax freeze or rebates – but only as part of the budget process, after looking at the available Government funding and the impact on services.

Responding to the proposals at the Council meeting on 21 September, the Labour finance lead, Cllr Christie, let slip their plan to increase Council Tax by the maximum amount come what may.

He told councillors:

“I just don’t think it would be honest to suggest that the rise may not happen – it unfortunately will have to happen”.

Speaking after the debate, Cllr Paul Kohler said:

“Merton Council regularly runs 'budget underspends', and has had a surplus of nearly £20m over the last two years – so it’s pretty shocking that they’re already planning significant increases in Council Tax, without even looking at the options or waiting to see what the Government settlement will be.

“In March, we were the only group to suggest a ‘cost of living rebate’ – a small rebate to reduce the impact of Council Tax rises. With bills and prices skyrocketing, people need a break. They at least deserve a Council that’s open and honest, and will discuss all the options with them”.