MILLIONS of households could see their council tax bills rise while key services are cut from April.
The County Councils Network (CCN) estimates that county and large rural councils will be hit with an £11billion funding gap by 2028/2029.
As a result, it warned that many councils are likely to cut back on bin collections, road repairs, libraries, leisure centres and bus subsidies.
The news comes as 350 areas prepare to hike council tax rates from April, with many planning to push up bills to their absolute limit.
Local authorities are currently able to raise council tax by up to 4.99% every year without asking residents for permission.
It is widely expected that many councils will hike bills by the maximum amount in order to keep up with spiralling costs.
The exact amount your bill will rise depends on where you live but this postcode lottery means that some households are already paying £400 a year more for the same band of property.
Meanwhile, last year councils were forced to cut back on cost of living support while asking some households to pay council tax for the first time.
The County Councils Network estimates that county and large rural councils will be faced with £7billion a year in extra service costs by 2028/2029.
But government grants that are part of the Fair Funding Review and provisional finance settlement are expected to only total £133million over three years.
This is just 2% of the additional costs.
The analysis suggests that they are set to receive just 2p in Government funding for every £1 of their costs over the next three years.
In comparison, urban borough councils are set to get 42p for every £1 in costs.
Steven Broadbent, finance spokesperson for the County Councils Network, said: “The burden is being placed firmly on county and unitary councils and local taxpayers, meaning residents face yearly council tax rises for the foreseeable future.”
What council tax support is available?
THERE are several ways you can get discounts and reductions on your council tax bill.
In some cases, you can even get the bill completely wiped with a council tax reduction.
Factors such as your household income, whether you have children, and if you receive any benefits, will influence what you get.
To apply, visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction.
You’ll need your National Insurance number, bank statements, a recent payslip or letter from the Jobcentre, and a passport or driving licence when filling out the details.
Below, we reveal all the ways you can get discounts or a reduction on your bill:
Single person discount
If you live on your own, you can get 25% off your council tax bill.
This also applies if there is one adult and one student living together in a property, or if there is one adult and one person classed as severely mentally impaired in the home.
If you live with someone who doesn’t have to pay council tax, such as a carer or someone who is severely mentally impaired, you could get a larger reduction too, of up to 50%.
And, if you live in an all-student household, you could get a 100% discount.
Retirees
Pensioners may also find themselves eligible for a council tax reduction.
If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you could get a 100% discount.
If not, you could still get help if you have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings.
And a pensioner who lives alone will be entitled to a 25% discount too.
Low-income households
If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you could be eligible for a reduction on your council tax.
Whether you are eligible will vary depending on where you live.
You could also get a deferral if you’re struggling to pay your bill, or you can speak to your council about setting up a payment plan to manage the cost.
But one thing to remember is if you are struggling you should contact your council as early as you can.
