Proposals likely to see unprecedented levels of public backlash against the 'troubled' local council amidst claims they recieved millions of pounds in additional government funding just weeks ago !
26th Jan 2025
Hartlepool Borough Council has this week attempted to downplay what many describe as an unprecedented public outcry not seen in decades, after confirming plans to raise council tax bills by nearly 5% in April.
The announcement comes just weeks after its claimed the council, which in 2023 was declared an authority of no public confidence received millions of pounds in additional funding from central government, leaving many residents frustrated and questioning the need for such a significant increase.
Councillors were reportedly informed last week that the council faces a £16.5 million budget shortfall for the 2025/26 financial year. According to the council, the shortfall is being blamed on rising costs associated with children’s social care, with claims that some external placements for looked-after children now exceed £12,000 per week. However, critics argue the council has failed to provide evidence to support these figures.
Additional reasons cited include inflation-driven borrowing costs, increasing waste disposal expenses, and higher costs for adult social care.
A Divisive Statement from the Council Leader
Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said:
“The settlement we got from the new Government has been very positive, but it doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels—we aren’t out of the woods yet. There is still a budget gap we need to close, and that is why we are proposing to increase council tax alongside a number of other measures. Historically, the only realistic tool available for local authorities to raise additional income to meet demand is by increasing Council Tax.”
If approved, a 4.99% council tax increase would mean an additional £1.27 per week lumped on the bill for Band A households—the majority of homes in Hartlepool—generating an estimated £2.6 million in additional income for the council.
Resident Backlash
The proposed hike has ignited fierce criticism from locals, many of whom recall the Labour-controlled council only last year vehemently opposing similar increases when it was in opposition.
Critics argue the financial situation has not significantly changed, accusing Labour of breaking campaign promises and betraying the trust of Hartlepool residents in order to be elected to the council which they managed to regain control of in May 2024 after nearly five years in opposition to a Conservative led Independent Coalition.
Some residents are now reportedly threatening 'mass refusal' to pay the increased council tax, a move that could deluge local county courts...
Public Relations in Overdrive
In a bid to quell public outrage, the council reportedly wheeled out their propaganda team, many of whom are reportedly said to be working from home in a move heavily designed to shift the blame onto the government, rather than the councils persistent financial mismanagement, with opposition councillors being quick to highlight that the additional government funding handed to the local council just weeks ago has largely been allocated to cover national insurance contributions and senior staff pay increases, with this only serving to stoke further public anger.
Amidst the backdrop of unprecedented public anger at the proposed council tax rise, The council has attempted to emphasise some minor service improvements set to come in the future....
These include:
A reduced increase in allotment rents,
Retaining free Sunday parking in the town centre,
Purchasing a new mechanical street cleaner to replace an ageing machine that sourced told HBC Exposed reportedly should have been replaced a decade ago.
A Top-Heavy Council?
Hartlepool Borough Council has long faced criticism over claims of being "top-heavy" in management, with reports revealing that nearly £1 million pounds of public funds is spent annually on salaries and pension contributions for the council’s seven senior directors—many of whom allegedly don’t even work a full five-day week...
This has led to growing pressure from residents for the council to make realistic savings through management cuts rather than reducing services, with public dissatisfaction reaching boiling point, with calls for another vote of no confidence in the council gaining traction.
Have Your Say !
Should all Council Tax increases, no matter how high be put to a public vote ?
YES
NO