Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is facing a council tax revolt after a "dictatorial" decision to cancel elections sparked rumours of a "summer of non-compliance".
The protest movement comes as councils prepare to implement inflation-busting tax hikes of up to 10 per cent from April, while simultaneously reducing essential services.
The rebellion mirrors the "Don't Pay" energy bill protests of 2022, with anger intensifying after the Labour Government's decision to cancel May local elections in multiple counties.
Residents face fresh financial pressure as council tax demands are set to drop through letterboxes on behalf of cash-strapped local authorities.
Angela Rayner is facing a council tax revolt after a "dictatorial" decision to cancel elections
GETTY
The Lib Dem-run Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead sought Government permission for a staggering 24.99 per cent increase, warning it would otherwise face bankruptcy.
Despite settling for a nine per cent rise, Independent Councillor Helen Price warned residents "will be shocked" when bills arrive, with many expected to refuse payment "on a point of principle."
Labour-run Bradford Council is implementing a 10 per cent increase, while Birmingham, Somerset, and Trafford councils are all planning 7.5 per cent rises.
More than two million people will face increases between five and 10 per cent, well above the typical 5 per cent limit requiring voter approval.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
"Why should I pay my council tax if my vote is taken away from me?" one frustrated taxpayer wrote on social media
PEXELSThe average Band D council tax in England currently stands at £2,171, representing a 5.1 per cent increase from 2023-24.
The surge comes after Rayner sanctioned the cancellation of May local elections across Sussex, Essex, Thurrock, Hampshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Surrey, and the Isle of Wight amid a reorganisation of local government.
The move has been branded an "affront to democracy" by critics, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage describing the decision as "dictatorial".
The election cancellations have proved to be a tipping point for many residents, particularly as they coincide with councils pushing through significant tax increases.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the decision as "dictatorial"
PA"Why should I pay my council tax if my vote is taken away from me?" one frustrated taxpayer wrote on social media.
Public services have been slashed across the country, with residents facing deteriorating road conditions marked by unfixed potholes.
Mass closures of libraries and leisure centres have further angered local communities. Bin collection services have also been scaled back significantly. A wide range of other taxpayer-funded services have been axed entirely.
Local authorities blame the service cuts on depleted reserves, citing pressures from inflation and interest rates.
Mass closures of libraries and leisure centres have further angered local communities (Stock image)
GETTY
Councils report experiencing high demand for services at precisely the time their financial resources are running dry.
One resident predicted on social media "a summer of non-compliance," suggesting people would refuse to pay council tax, energy bills, TV licences and taxes.
The same commenter suggested Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer "will be gone before the end of year" due to the brewing crisis.
"The mass stopping of council tax payment would be a strong message to send to Labour until they listen," another fed-up taxpayer declared.
One person suggested Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer "will be gone before the end of year"
PAThe current rebellion echoes the energy bill protests of 2022, when one in three people joined the "Don't Pay" campaign as household bills were forecast to reach £4,000 annually.
Latest figures reveal 1.3 million households are already in council tax arrears.
Councils can bypass the normal five per cent tax increase limit by issuing a Section 114 notice, effectively declaring bankruptcy to raise rates beyond the legal threshold.
Property expert Paul Gibbens warned of severe consequences from the council tax increases, saying: "While increased taxes are intended to alleviate pressure from the councils, this will ultimately place UK residents under further financial pressure," he said.
He cautioned that raising council taxes beyond the legal limit would have "a staggering knock-on effect" for the UK property market.
Living in the affected areas during a cost-of-living crisis "will now be unfeasible for many families," according to Gibbens.
You may like
