The Tory and City Independent coalition have agreed to hike council tax by 4.18% for next year (including Police and Fire precepts) as residents feel the full force of Conservative cuts.
The rise will see an average Band D property owner pay more than £64 extra on their council tax bill next year and the overall rise over a 3-year period of their coalition is £166.51 for equivalent Band D properties.
The move comes as the Tories slashed Stoke-on-Trent’s budget, bringing total cuts in the city to an eye-watering £190million since 2010.
Cllr Mohammed Pervez, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent Labour Group, said:
“For a long time Stoke-on-Trent has suffered the sharp end of Tory cuts to services.
“Now residents are footing the bill for Tory and City Independent financial mismanagement at Stoke-on-Trent Council.
“An increase in council tax of £64 means a lot to cash-strapped families across the city.
“And when council services are being slashed across Stoke-on-Trent it is an insult to taxpayers to be asked to clean up the Tories mess.
“Under Labour Stoke-on-Trent balanced the books, stabilising council finances and preparing our city for the future.
“Only a vote for Labour councillors in May’s local elections will put us back on the right track.”