Solihull Council to raise tax as social care bill soars

COUNCIL tax bills are set to rise by almost five per cent in Solihull as the local authority once again grapples with cuts in funding.
In common with most councils, Solihull is being placed under particular strain by the costs of adult social care, a system sinking into crisis across the country.
The Budget, which was brought before councillors earlier this month, will mean that council tax bills stand at £1,269 for a ‘Band D’ property. This figure does not include sums levied by the likes of police and parish councils.
Councillor Bob Sleigh, the Leader of Solihull Council, admitted that the local authority was facing “massive challenges” and said he supported a national debate on how to deal with the financial pressures, which are being driven up by the growing number of elderly people who need support. Councillor James Burn (Green, Chelmsley Wood) said there were “no easy answers”.
“We may have seen less cuts per head than some of our colleagues, but it’s still been very, very difficult,” he told members.
“Council tax is obviously regressive, it hits the poorest hardest, but we have no choice – we have been cut to the bone.”
Coun Burn said that he supported the rise in itself, but joined Green colleagues in voting against the Budget. Among the opposition’s main concerns were a lack of transparency over cuts and a failure to ensure all the council’s staff were paid the Living Wage.
Coun Ted Richards (Con, Castle Bromwich) rose to defend the Tories’ record and rebuked the Green group.

“I think this is the 32nd Budget I’ve sat through in this council chamber and I have to say that this evening I have seen what I can only describe as the most pathetic attempt by the opposition to try to turn down a responsible Budget.
“They have got no ideas, they don’t know where they’re going and they’re just being a pathetic, whinging opposition.”
For Councillor Debbie Evans (UKIP, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) there were concerns over the scale of increases being imposed by parish councils – which do not face the same restrictions as Solihull Council in relation to the rises they can introduce.
“I have to say I am appalled that one of the parish councils in the poorest part of the borough has decided to put their council tax precept up by 58.5 per cent," she said.