As financial pressures mount on local governments, council tax hikes are being implemented across the UK. Many Londoners are facing bills up to £2K, with an average increase of almost £40 for the second consecutive year, a move announced by Mayor Sadiq Khan. Khan has proposed an 8.6% rise in the 'precept', amounting to an extra £37.26 for band D homes. This tax hike is set to come into force just weeks before the next year's mayoral election. Meanwhile, Birmingham residents are also grappling with a 10% tax increase as the council attempts to stave off bankruptcy with a £300m reserve. These tax hikes are met with criticism, with one local leader accusing the government of playing Scrooge just before Christmas. In related news, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City is under scrutiny for financial mismanagement, requiring an extra billion dollars for a project. The MTA is currently servicing a $47 billion debt, which accounts for 15% of its operating budget, leading to the necessity of congestion pricing.
Sadiq Khan accused of treating Londoners like 'walking cash machines' as he unveils 8.6% council tax hike that will come into force just weeks before next year's mayoral election https://t.co/Bo2XYZdnmw https://t.co/F7GcXb8jAU
Sadiq Khan accused of treating Londoners like 'walking cash machines' as he unveils 8.6% council tax hike that will come into force just weeks before next year's mayoral election https://t.co/uwtTZy9jne https://t.co/xTCpU9YMxX
Sadiq Khan announces plan to increase council tax by £37.26 for band D homes in London https://t.co/tt4jmKhZ4a
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan is set to hike his share of council tax by an average of almost £40 for the second successive year. He has proposed an 8.6% rise in the “precept” that is added to bills to pay for City Hall services and contribute towards the cost of running the… https://t.co/4TIJTMdwMI
Sadiq Khan hikes share of council tax bills by almost £40 for second successive year https://t.co/SIlH46hbvS
Sadiq Khan hikes share of council tax bills by almost £40 for second successive year https://t.co/9Hdpr0F9m5
Birmingham residents fume as council hikes tax by 10% in bid to stave off bankruptcy with £300m reserve https://t.co/uklSVcmoKO
“We’re spending 15% of our operating budget servicing [our $47 billion] debt. Congestion pricing is necessary for plugging the gap of the building, the repairing, the fixing we must do.” Congestion pricing is coming to NYC 👇 https://t.co/g1PQYQDaEG
Unsurprisingly, the @MTA needs an extra billion dollars for a mismanaged project. Yet another example of the MTA’s consistent financial mismanagement. https://t.co/QE391s2VL0
Many more Londoners face £2K council tax bills - one local leader says: 'Once again we’re faced with the government playing Scrooge just before Christmas' by @RachaelBurford https://t.co/pRjAkpTO4l