DROITWICH Labour candidates have slammed government plans to increase council tax by five per cent.
Local authorities in England will be able to make the hike from April, with three per cent of it being used to top up adult social care budgets.
The proposals could add an extra £90 a year for the average Band D household, irrespective of ability to pay.
Labour candidate for Droitwich East, Alan Humphries, said: “Any increase at this time is an insult to the many people who are struggling to make ends meet.
“Many have lost jobs or are uncertain about hanging on to the ones they currently have.”
Candidate for Droitwich West, Anthony Kelly, added: “An across the board increase in council tax is unfair and will hit struggling families hard.
“Those on the lowest incomes pay a far higher proportion of their income on this tax than those on higher incomes.
“We do need more funding if we are to level up and build a fairer society, but this must be from taxes that are properly targeted and progressive.
“For example those on wealth, dividends and profits, rather than an unreformed property tax where the banding of houses needs substantial revision.”
Bucking the trend is Wychavon District Council, which recently announced it has frozen its precept for the fourth year in a row, a move welcomed by the Labour Group.
It means the average band D household will continue to pay £120.08 for Wychavon’s services from April.
But that is before Worcestershire County Council, police and fire precepts have been added.
Labour is now calling on the county council to follow suit and scrap its proposed council tax increase of 2.5 per cent.
