Three Conservative council leaders in London have written to Andy Burnham, accusing the government of “devolving blame” for council tax hikes. The leaders of Westminster, Wandsworth and Kensington and Chelsea councils stated that they are being forced to significantly raise council tax or cut services due to cuts in central government funding.
The reforms made the system “fairer for taxpayers across the country,” according to ministers, but the Conservative leaders argue that it will worsen the lives of local residents. They claim that their councils have been singled out and accuse the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government of assuming massive rises in council tax to compensate for cuts to central government funding when publishing its Local Government Finance Settlement.
The three Conservative leaders also state that true devolution cannot mean imposing high council taxes “from on high,” as it would force them to raise taxes drastically or cut services severely. However, the government defends their reforms by stating they are fixing an outdated funding system so that funding goes where need is greatest and protecting councils through the transition while ensuring no area faces a cliff edge.