It’s possible that council tax payers in Andover could see a rise of almost 6% next year.
21/12/17: This article has been edited
Yesterday, Communities Secretary Sajid Javid announced plans to let local authorities raise bills in 2018/2019 by one percent more than the current cap of 4.99%.
The plan is to help raise £250m for public services.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Cllr Phil North explains without a local referendum, “The largest increase TVBC could go up by is 3.67% which would make Band D £141.41.
“I’m not suggesting that is what we are proposing, that will be a decision for February.”
Mr Javid says that the threshold for triggering an automatic local referendum will be increased from 2% to 3% of core council tax.
Together with a ‘3% additional “precept”’ which is permitted to councils which have social care responsibilities this gives Hampshire County Council the freedom to increase bills by up to 5.99% next April without seeking voters’ approval.
Mr Javid said this plan “strikes a balance” between easing the pressure on local councils and helping hard-working taxpayers not get “saddled with ever-higher bills”.
Test Valley Borough Council are likely to meet in February to agree any increase with any rise coming into effect from April 2018.
