The Welsh Labour Government has confirmed that council tax bills for Welsh households will rise again next year.
Labour’s Local Government Minister, answering questions from the Leader of the Opposition, Andrew RT Davies AM, ruled out a council tax freeze.
Council tax in Labour-run Wales has already increased by over 150% since 1997.
In recent years, families in Wales have faced the highest council tax rises in the UK, as money was made available for a freeze elsewhere. Households in England have also had the double protection of council tax referendums on bill rises of 2% or above.
Andrew RT Davies said, “This council tax bombshell will come as a disappointment to families across Wales in need of respite from soaring council tax bills under Labour.
“Since Labour came to power in 1997, the average band D council tax bill has risen by over 150%.
“This year, average council tax bills in Wales rose by more than double the rate of inflation, and are now set to rise even further.
“Council tax has been frozen for years in much of England and in Scotland, but Carwyn Jones’ Labour Party refused to pass on a freeze to Welsh councils, forcing them to put up council tax bills.
“Welsh Conservatives are a low tax party.
“We trust the people to spend more of their own money, which is why we support a council tax freeze to put more money in people’s pockets.
“In the coming months we will intensely lobby the party of tax and spend, the Labour Party, to reverse its decision to drive up council tax bills.”
