18 areas experience an over-£100 hike, data reveals
The cost of council tax has climbed by over £100 in many parts of England, putting more pressure on household finances.
Latest data analysis from estate and lettings agent Barrows and Forrester showed that the biggest percentage increase in the country was in Ashford, Kent, where the annual council tax cost has climbed by 9.1%, or a monetary increase of £145.
Ashford is one of 18 areas in England where the annual cost of council tax has increased by more than £100.
Other areas that have seen council tax costs rise by more than £100 were: Runnymede, Woking, Elmbridge, Bedford, Croydon, St Albans, Reigate and Banstead, Broxbourne, Mole Valley, Craven, Guildford, Mid Devon, Rutland, East Cambridgeshire, Watford, Waverley, and South Oxfordshire.
In terms of a percentage increase compared to last year, Manchester (8.7%), Bedford (8.1%), Salford (8.1%), Croydon (7.8%), Hyndburn (7.6%), Broxbourne (7.4%), Islington (7.4%), Runnymede (7.4%), Haringey (7.2%) were the areas that have seen the largest increase in council tax costs. The smallest yearly increases were recorded in South Somerset (1.3%), Eden (1.5%), and Bristol (1.8%).
Barrows and Forrester said that aside from rent or mortgage, one of the most significant costs associated with homes is council tax.
At £1,493, the average household in England is now paying 4.5% more than they were last year – an increase of £64.
James Forrester, managing director at Barrows and Forrester, said that it is likely that mortgage and rent costs continue to rise as the year goes on.
“It’s certainly shaping up to be a bleak year for many households with the increasing cost-of-living squeezing our finances on all sides,” he said.
“Wages have failed to keep pace and the government has done little to help, with the most significant offering being a very marginal reduction in National Insurance which isn’t due to be implemented until July. For those really up against it, this meagre offering is likely to be far too little too late and we need to see more action being taken now to address this dire situation.”
