Trafford Council slammed for suddenly increasing Council Tax to almost 7.5%

Trafford Council is increasing this year’s Council Tax to almost 7.5% due to historic funding deficits and a rise in the need for services such as children and adult social care.

A draft proposal last year suggested a rise in council tax to almost 5% was agreed, which would have meant people in Band D paying around £2,100, but now the council has asked the government if they could raise it to 7.49%, and they agreed.

Trafford had the lowest Council Tax in Greater Manchester; with this increase, we no longer have the lowest. On top of this, the council is proposing to charge people £45 for green bin collection, and it is claimed they are looking at saving money by removing some school crossing patrols.

Things are bad though for the council, who are having to balance the books and are having to ask the government for Exceptional Finance Support.

Reform Party’s Paul Swansborough, chair for Altrincham and Sale West, asked the council about what has happened for them to suddenly increase the amount and is still awaiting a reply.

In a statement sent exclusively to News4Trafford, he said:

“It’s clear that the Labour-run Trafford Council has lost control of their finances, which indicates poor leadership both politically and at the executive level. For the council to consider pushing any such increases through at this late stage is undemocratic and grossly unfair. What is the point in having legislation that requires a referendum if a local authority wishes to increase council tax above 5% if it is overridden by Westminster?

“This mechanism was clearly put in place to protect residents and give them a say should such a situation arise; I therefore call upon Trafford Council to stick to their previous budget proposals for the year 25/26. This will then allow enough time for the public to be consulted and ensure a robust debate moving forward. The electorate can then give their final approval at the May 2026 local elections.”

The increase is a slap in the face for everyone who pays Council Tax in Trafford, with the new government screwing us over several times and handing over change to make it look like they care, making things incredibly difficult for people to make ends meet.

In a letter sent to Tom Ross by the Trafford Tories, they are asking him to resign, and not only about the sudden increase in Council Tax!

The opposition clearly wants the council to go back to the proposed near 5% council tax increase, which would be fair all around. If any further increases are needed, the residents should have some say in the matter, since it is them who are going to be hardest hit when they are already struggling due to the new ‘Trial and Error’ Labour government, with a chancellor who is out of her depth.