Millions of Brits could be whacked with council tax hikes as high as £195 after Angela Rayner gave the go-ahead for six local authorities to increase the charge above the 5% limit.
The councils that can increase their levies are spread across the country, and they will be able to act on April 1.
Even those councils that aren’t able to increase the tax by more than 5% are expected raise it as far as they can.
The highest hike will be in Bradford where the local council is slapping residents with a 10% increase.
That means those in Band D properties in Bradford will pay an extra £195 per year in council tax.
Elsewhere, in Newham, east London, residents will see a 9% rise. So too will locals in Windsor and Maidenhead.
Birmingham City Council, Trafford Council and Somerset Council are all raising their rates by 7.5%.
Ms Rayner justified the move by claiming it was necessary to “fix the foundations” of council budgets.
The Housing Secretary said: “Councils deliver vital services across the country – driving growth and local economies and providing a lifeline for those that need it most.
“Through our Plan for Change we are determined to fix the foundations of local government; investing where it is needed, trusting local leaders and working together to deliver growth, better health and social care services and the affordable homes people need.”
Local Government Minister Jim McMahon added: “We have been clear we will fix the foundations of local government.
“That means an end to short-term solutions and instead rebuilding the sector to put councils on a more stable and secure footing.
“Local leaders play a crucial role in delivering the day-to-day services communities across the country rely on, which is why we want to work with them towards a fairer funding model that tackles regional inequality and prioritises outcomes for local people.”
