FAMILIES across Gloucestershire are expected to be hit by council tax increases next year which could be as high as five per cent – at a time when many are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt announced last week that there will be more flexibility for local authorities to set their council tax rates.

The autumn statement says councils in England will be able to set tax rises of up to 3% per year from April without the need for a referendum.

Also, councils with social care responsibilities, such as Gloucestershire County Council, will be able to increase the adult social care precept by up to 2% per year.

The Chancellor says this will give councils greater flexibility to set council tax levels based on the needs, resources and priorities of their area, including adult social care.

This could mean the portion of the council tax bill which goes to Shire Hall could rise to £1,523.86 a year for a band D property, an extra £72.50.

GCC was given the opportunity to comment on the announced changes but declined so it is still uncertain how much council tax will rise next year.

Cotswold District Council finance cabinet member Mike Evemy said it was a tough time for everybody including local authorities. The council’s budget consultation is currently underway and they are considering tax rises and increases to parking and green waste charges.

He said: “What has been announced today doesn’t change much for district and borough councils in Gloucestershire. There doesn’t appear to be any new money for local government outside of social care. District councils don’t appear to be getting anything."

Stroud District Council leader Catherine Braun said it was disappointing that no new funding was provided for public services to redress the years of austerity.

She said: “There was no indication of additional money to cover the existing inflationary pressures for councils, so we will have to carefully consider how we manage our budgets for next year to maintain essential services. It is frightening to imagine what the further £30 billion of spending cuts announced in the autumn statement would mean for our country in the years to come.”