Gloucestershire Residents React Angrily to Council Tax Hike

The county councillors approved the new budget. It increases taxes for homes in Gloucestershire by about 5%. This happens even though the council has good reserve funds, and people online are worried about the rising costs.

The council can raise taxes without government approval; the increase is 4.99% total. General council tax goes up by 2.99%, and adult social care gets a 2% increase.

Lynden Stowe said the council is financially stable. He noted reserves grew by 80%, while other councils saw reserves decrease. All departments will have bigger budgets next year, and no department will have cuts.

Lisa Spivey called the budget tiring and uninspired. Some Facebook users voiced concerns. Sally Pegler wonders how people will survive and fears debt and health problems due to bills.

Dolly Dagger is upset about the money’s use, stating roads are bad. She also says yellow lines are wrong, and she dislikes a cycle path.

Peter Bryan observes a lack of challenge to tax increases, and councils explain spending needs annually, he says. People pay more for less.

Online commenters worry about lost income. One person said life is just existing, not fun, while another thinks they may become a work robot.

One person plans to cancel entertainment subscriptions and sees a dull future. Someone wants council tax reform, saying tax ignores household income because people use services, not buildings.