More than 90 per cent of town halls in the UK increased council tax last year, according to figures released by the TaxPayers' Alliance. The data reveals that 331 local authorities raised the levy, while only 23 cut or froze it.
This marks a return to pre-2010 levels, when an average of 319 councils increased council tax annually under Labour. The average band D household now pays £1,591, a 57 per cent real-terms increase from £688 in 1997/98.
The Conservative government initially imposed a council tax freeze after taking office, but this policy has been relaxed in recent years. Last year saw particularly large increases as councils sought to address the social care crisis.
Further rises are expected in April, after Communities Secretary Sajid Javid announced that councils can increase the levy by up to 6 per cent without a local referendum. This includes a 3 per cent general rise and an additional 3 per cent for social care.
John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Councils have been raising tax year in, year out for decades and continue to demand even more. Councillors should remember that council tax is a major burden on residents and a huge contributor to the cost of living.'
