Outraged opponents of a proposed 15 per cent increase in council tax have launched a petition to highlight the “unfairness” and “unaffordability” of the rise.
The majority Conservative faction of Surrey County Council agreed to vote in favour of an increase nine times the rate of inflation (1.6 per cent) at a party meeting held behind closed doors last week.
From last week: Surrey County Council leader confirms move to seek largest council tax hike in the country of 15 per cent
Council leader David Hodge cited government cuts, and rising demand for adult social care and learning disabilities and children’s services as key factors behind the proposed increase.
From November: Surrey County Council turns down 80 per cent of social care request due to 'huge financial strain'
But the Conservatives were branded a “disgrace” by the leader of the Surrey Labour party, while the leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition, Councillor Hazel Watson, said it would be “astonishing” for the Conservatives to “carry the can for their own financial failings and the government's failure to properly fund services”.
From December: Surrey County Council forced to dip into 'largest ever use of reserves' to address £15 million overspend
In May 2014, Conservative councillors voted to increase their allowances by up to 60 per cent. The allowance increase led to the shock resignation of all the members of the council’s Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP).
From May 2014: Shock resignations in Surrey County Council expenses row
From March 2016: Surrey County Council leader third highest paid in south east of England as expenses bill soars
The Lib Dems have now launched a petition against the increase in council tax – the largest in the country.
Councillor Watson said: "Since the proposal was announced last week, there has been a public outcry across Surrey, opposing this steep rise.
“Signing the petition will send a message to the Conservative-run administration and central government that this rise is unfair, unaffordable and not the way in which to address a national crisis in the funding of adult social care.
“A national solution is required for adult social care in order to meet the growth in demand. Surrey residents should not have to pick up the bill for the Tory-run county council's financial mess.”
Surrey County Hall. Pic credit: Jon Sharman
Under current rules, the county council can only raise its share of the tax by an additional 4.99 per cent each year – 3 per cent of which is ring-fenced for adult social care – and must hold a county-wide referendum if it wishes to raise a larger amount.
A county council spokesman confirmed this would take place on Thursday, May 4 – at the same time as the county council elections.
Government legislation stipulates council tax bills must be issued in February and March and then amended, if necessary, following the referendum.
The spokesman advised: “The 15 per cent increase will be included and if it is not agreed in the referendum then new bills will be issued. For people paying monthly the remaining months will be recalculated. Those paying annually will receive a refund."
The average Surrey resident according to house value – those living in Band D properties – paid £1,268.28 in 2016/17. A 15 per cent increase would see these residents paying an additional £190.24.
Cllr Hodge (pictured above) confirmed plans for the proposed increase in a statement, which read: “We have to set a budget that will protect vital services for Surrey residents.
“Government has cut our annual grant by £170m since 2010 - leaving a huge gap in our budget.
“Demand for adult social care, learning disabilities and children's services is increasing every year.
“So I regret, despite us finding £450m worth of savings from our annual budget, we have no choice but to propose this increase in council tax.”
The proposals will be decided by at the next full council meeting on February 7.
To sign the petition, visit https://surreylibdems.org.uk/en/petition/scrap-the-15-tory-council-tax-rise
Got a story? Get in touch at craig.richard@london.newsquest.co.uk
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