The headline about "massive council tax increases" is far too simplistic and not a proper analysis.
The critical question is, will the goverment grants be changed?
If not, the placing into new bands will not increase the total amount of council tax to be raised but redistribute who pays it.
Council tax is based on the number of band-D-equivalent properties.
If properties move into higher bands, this will increase the number of band D equivalent properties.
To raise a given sum of money, the band D rate and hence the rate in every other band would actually be reduced. Properties that go up a band could pay more but not according to the figures given in the article and those whose bands do not change would pay less.
-Councillor Les Hamilton, Brighton and Hove City Council
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