Council Tax 2020/2021

KyleDay

South Gloucestershire Council, and others, are expecting payment of council tax as of April 1 2020. This seems immoral during these times of unprecedented hardship, and furthermore, what exactly will the 'consumer' be paying for, given the service closures. I am fully aware of the precepts collected for police and fire services, but surely one could argue against the precepts for parish and town councils, and special expenses (which this year saw an average increase of 7.02%). 

Jeremy535897

People can apply for the council tax reduction scheme if they are eligible
https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction

KyleDay

Jeremy535897 said:

People can apply for the council tax reduction scheme if they are eligible

I think you miss the point:
- Leisure Centres – all leisure centres are now closed until further notice
- Most committee meetings have been postponed, following current Government guidance. 
- council buildings, numerous closed (incl. Kingswood Care Leaver drop-in centre and one stop shops)
- Libraries, all closed
- Play areas are closed from Tuesday 24 March following government instruction
- Our public toilets are closed from Thursday 19 March until further notice
- Public transport (travelwest, reduced service)
- weddings/civil partnerships, closed
- sort it recycling centres, closed
- recycling/food waste, reduced service
so, what are we actually paying for, considering we are anticipating a six month closure period?

Jeremy535897

Over half of the budget goes on social care. Less than a quarter is spent on the things you mention.

KyleDay

Oh great, looking forward to the 25% discount over the next however many months. 

bradders1983

Council tax accounts for a miniscule part of a council budget, always makes me laugh when I see people who think their £100 or so a month funds the entire council budget.

strawb_shortcake

I had read that some councils are accepting people moving their payment dates from April to January to June to March, not sure if South glos is one of them but may be worth a phone call? I do live in South glos so had read the above locally so may be applicable 

KyleDay

Thanks annabanana82, i'm fortunate that I work in the NHS and so I have no loss of income, however it is an opportune moment to help family who are less fortunate.

strawb_shortcake

Kyle I work in the public sector too so in a fortunate position as well. If the above is true and you can move your payment dates then it should be published more widely to help those that need it.

Jeremy535897

bradders1983 said:

Council tax accounts for a miniscule part of a council budget, always makes me laugh when I see people who think their £100 or so a month funds the entire council budget.

"Overall, local government spending is paid for by three main sources:

• Central Government − 61%
• Business rates − 17%
• Council tax − 22%"

This from one council site, although the figures are national. So, a bit less than a quarter. So probably about 5% of someone's council tax goes to fund Kyle's list.
I'm not an apologist for, or connected with, any council, but there's no point in getting frustrated over a perception that's not reality.

KyleDay

Jeremy535897 said:

bradders1983 said:

Council tax accounts for a miniscule part of a council budget, always makes me laugh when I see people who think their £100 or so a month funds the entire council budget.

"Overall, local government spending is paid for by three main sources:

• Central Government − 61%
• Business rates − 17%
• Council tax − 22%"

This from one council site, although the figures are national. So, a bit less than a quarter. So probably about 5% of someone's council tax goes to fund Kyle's list.
I'm not an apologist for, or connected with, any council, but there's no point in getting frustrated over a perception that's not reality.

Thanks, that is some useful information. I love the interwebs.