Trafford's council tax to rise almost three per cent after heated debate

An increase of 2.99 per cent, as well as a number of ideas for saving and spending, were considered and debated by councillors at The LifeCentre in Sale on the evening of Wednesday, February 16.

It is the same as the rise in council tax in Manchester, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside and Wigan, and lower than the rise in council tax in Bolton, Oldham and Stockport. Only Bury's increase is lower.

Areas to benefit from the budget, according to the Labour Group, include businesses, leisure centres, parks, roads, schools, social care and sustainable transport.

Although opposition councillors were in support of these ends, the Conservative Group in particular were opposed to the means.

Cllr Dave Morgan, of Hale Barns Ward, said: "At a time when our residents are struggling with living costs, it is not justifiable."

As well as the rise in council tax, Cllr Morgan criticised a rise in charges such as the cost of parking and of parking permits, which are both to increase in spite of significant opposition at consultation.

He also criticised other, less common charges, such as the cost of pest control for squirrels.

Cllr Morgan said: "We are on the side of the majority of Trafford residents. Labour are ignoring the views of the majority of Trafford residents."

After a debate on the budget, it was council leader Cllr Andrew Western who delivered the strongest response to the Conservative Group, saying their criticism was 'ridiculous'.

Cllr Western said: "They have not bothered to bring a budget amendment and there is a simple reason. They have no clue, no idea and no plan."

He said the Conservative Group's criticism was 'interesting' given Greater Manchester's only blue council, Bolton Council, is to increase council tax by more than three per cent.

He said: "Doubtless, if our Conservatives were in [Bolton Council's] chamber, they would be supporting the budget this evening."

After a vote, the budget was approved with no amendments.