Plymouth council tax up £100 a year

Labour forces through budget change

Plymouth City Council has approved a budget which will see residents in Band D properties paying over £100 more in council tax next year. 

The Conservative administration has been faced with a potential shortfall of £37 million and forced to consider a number of budget-balancing measures to raise the required £217 million for the financial year 2023/24. 

A Labour amendment to the budget ensured the new budget would also force second home owners to pay double council tax on their properties from April 2024, subject to a new law coming into force in a few weeks. 

The amendment, which Labour insists will not cost any more than the Tory budget, would also address street safety, new toilets in St Budeaux, libraries and funding for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) initiatives. 

Introducing the budget, council leader and Conservative representative for Southway, Richard Bingley admitted they had to make tough decisions but was proud of their achievements so far. 

“People sometimes ask why we have so many major projects in our budget and so many schemes happening in the city at the same time,” he explained. “It’s because under our leadership this administration has no reverse gear for Plymouth. 

“It is because we are highly ambitious for Plymouth and we make no apology whatsoever in this budget for our forward, future vision together.”

Labour leader and councillor for Ham, Tudor Evans, suggested many of the initiatives being claimed by the Tories were, in fact, Labour projects.  

Before introducing a 10-page amendment to the budget, Cllr Evans attacked central government as well as the current Plymouth administration. 

“This Tory government, egged on by this Tory council, has the smell of decay,” he said. 

“In Westminster and here in Plymouth they’re focused on fighting each other.” 

Referring to the cost of living crisis he continued: “It’s not a soap opera.  It’s a psycho-drama when things are getting harder not easier.”

In addition to the proposed council tax premium from April next year, the Labour amendment committed to;

• Enhancing access to council services through libraries and review which other buildings can support this activity. 
• £25,000 to support the work of the Cost of Living Working Group
• £25,000 to support the work of the cross-party Cabinet Advisory Group on Child Poverty  
• Make an allocation of £500,000 from Right-to-Buy receipts to enhance the Plan for Homes Housing Investment Fund 
• £25,000 to support action on Violence Against Women and Girls. 
• £2 million for the creation of a Green Investment Fund
• Celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III with £25,000 to cover the costs of road closures, arrange a screening of the ceremony, dressing the city and support community activities.

Labour’s amendment was passed, with 44 votes for, three against and five abstentions. 

The overall budget and proposed council tax levels for 2023/24 was passed by 23 votes for, six against and 24 abstentions.  

Residents in a Band D property will now pay the following increases in the forthcoming financial year;

£49.93 (council tax)

£33.40 (adult social care precept)

£15.00 (Police)

£5.00 (Fire Service)

Total = £103.33

Total Band D bill 22/23 = £2,008.23

Total Band D bill 23/24 = £2,111.56