Bradley Thomas MP has responded to the Government's decision to approve the request from the Reform administration on Worcestershire County Council to hike Council Tax by 9% this year.
The local MP has been warning that Reform and Labour are in cahoots to raise Council Tax.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness, Alison McGovern MP, wrote to Bradley today (February 9th) to confirm the Government has approved the Reform administration's request.
In response to the Government approving the request from the new administration on Worcestershire County Council to hike Council Tax by up to 9%, Bradley said:
“I've previously warned that the new administration on Worcestershire County Council and the Government are in cahoots to hike your Council Tax this year. Well, it’s now been confirmed in black and white.
“The Local Government Minister has written to me to confirm that she has accepted the administration's request to raise our Council Tax by up to 9%.
“This inflation-busting increase is a far cry from the promises the new administration made to you when they wanted your vote last year.
“At a time when the cost of living is still biting for many of my constituents, a Council Tax rise almost three times the rate of inflation will be hard to stomach for many.
“My constituents should not be punished for the administration’s financial choices. The administration should change course and pursue a sustainable alternative that will be more affordable for local residents.
“Why is this happening? It’s because the new administration hasn’t found waste they promised you there was and they've lost control of the council finances. The Leader of Worcestershire County Council and other members of her team were well aware of the pressures the council faced as a result of adult social care and children’s services. The Leader was part of the previous administration, so she can’t plead ignorance now.
“This is just another bad decision from an administration that has slashed funding for Bromsgrove Train Station investment, and they’ve cut the budget for highways, so expect to see more potholes on the roads as a result.
“And now they’ve had to go cap in hand to the Government, who we know love taxes, for permission to hike your Council Tax by a staggering 9%.
“The Government's decision is subject to the approval of the House of Commons to allow the administration to do this. Should I get the opportunity to I will be voting against allowing this eye-watering increase.”
