Harlow Council Faces 21% Funding Cut Due to Council Tax Freeze, Says Leader
Harlow Council’s funding is cut by 21% as the council tax remains frozen, prompting concerns from its leader.
Politics
Harlow, Council, Funding, Tax, Government
Harlow: The leader of Harlow Council is upset. The Labour government cut their core funding by 21% for the upcoming financial year.
This funding cut comes after the council faces higher National Insurance contributions. The government promised to cover these costs but now only plans to cover about 12%.
If Harlow Council raises council tax, they won’t lose core funding. However, they have frozen their share of council tax for three years and will do so again this year.
Councillor Dan Swords, the leader of Harlow Council, wrote to Harlow’s MP. He asked him to urge the Chancellor to maintain their funding and honor the promise on National Insurance costs.
Cllr Swords noted that since 2019, government funding had increased, and National Insurance contributions were frozen. Now, they face a 21% cut for freezing council tax.
The government also promised to cover the extra National Insurance costs, which could reach £1 million this year. Instead, they might only receive £120,000, and that support is for just one year.
Despite these challenges, Harlow Council will keep its commitment to freeze council tax and continue its six missions. However, this funding cut makes their job much harder. They hope the government will reconsider.
Both Harlow MP Chris Vince and Harlow Labour leader Cllr James Griggs have been invited to respond.