Bradford Council has approved a 9.99% council tax increase, the highest in the UK, set to take effect in April. The decision comes as the Labour-run council faces significant financial strain, having borrowed £127 million this year alone.
Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe stated that the tax increase would reduce the need for further borrowing, estimating it could save £111 million in interest payments over 20 years. She noted that, despite the rise, Bradford’s council tax remains below the national average for a city of its size.
The budget was passed with support from all Labour councillors except Joe Wheatley. The decision faced public backlash, with residents disrupting the council meeting, leading to a temporary suspension and police intervention.
