Wirral Council Tax Set to Increase by Almost £100 in Five Weeks

Councilors will vote next Monday. They will decide on a Council Tax increase, and the average Wirral Council Tax bill will likely rise almost £100. This is because councilors must vote on the budget by March 3.

Like many councils, Wirral needs to fix a £34 million budget gap. A Council Tax rise should bring in about £9 million, while cuts to services could save £25 million. Fees will also generate some money.

The government recently gave Wirral nearly £28 million. This helps fill budget gaps this year and next, including £7.5 million for next year. This is the town’s second bailout recently.

The council must balance its budget or declare bankruptcy. If this happens, they might close Birkenhead Town Hall, and up to 200 jobs could be lost. Libraries are also under review.

The government gave Wirral £34.7 million more this year. Yet, social care and pensions cost over £70 million. Social care and children’s services use almost 75% of the budget.

The council wants to cut Council Tax relief and Council Tax rates should rise 4.99%. That’s the maximum without a public vote, with two percent going to social care directly.

Everyone will pay more Council Tax from April. Band A properties will pay £1,321.63, which covers council services.

Band B properties will pay £1,541.90, and Band C properties will pay £1,762.17. Band D properties will pay £1,982.44, an increase of £94.22. Band E properties will pay £2,422.98.

Band F properties will pay £2,863.52, while Band G properties will pay £3,304.07. Band H properties, the most expensive, will pay £3,964.88. These figures do not include other charges from regional authorities and emergency services.