A failed proposal to freeze Gloucester’s council tax increase raised bankruptcy concerns amid cyberattack risks.
The Community Independents pushed the freeze. It meant losing £190,560 in revenue, and another cyberattack could then be devastating.
A 2021 cyberattack cost over £1 million. It seriously disrupted city services. Council approved a budget over £15 million. Band D properties will pay £237.04, previously, it was £230.16.
The Independents wanted to use existing funds. They planned to keep balances at £1,408,000. £123,000 would go toward freezing taxes. The plan involved another fund reduction and the budget equalizing fund would drop to £532,440.
This would contribute £67,560 more, which fully funded the proposed tax freeze. They also wanted to freeze garden waste fees. This would cost about £40,000. They would use environmental reserves, reducing that to £860,000.
One council member, Alastair Chambers, spoke out. He felt it would help people with bills, and also, it could support local businesses. Chambers believed the freeze would make a big difference. He urged others to think of those struggling.
Another councillor spoke against freezing the tax. Declan Wilson called it a “mad notion.” He said it would only save 50p per month. Wilson stated the council needed the money. He said the city was vulnerable, and another cyberattack could cause bankruptcy.
The Lib Dems, Conservatives, and Labour voted against it. They rejected the freeze for council tax and garden waste costs. The approved budget passed 23-0 with 12 abstentions. The Liberal Democrats and Labour supported it, while Conservatives and Independents abstained from voting.
The total bill includes other charges as well, covering the county council and police. County council tax rose by 4.99 percent, making it £1,679.65 for Band D. Police tax increased by 4.5 percent. Residents in Quedgeley pay for town council services, those are £44.06 for a Band D property.