Petition · Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

Implement a 5% Cap on Annual Council Tax Increases by Town and Parish Councils

Closed 79 signatures

What the petition asks

County and Unitary councils can raise taxes by up to 5% annually without a referendum, but town and parish councils face no such limit, leading to steep hikes recent examples of 35.7% and 26%. With more services shifting to town and parish councils, a cap at this level is increasingly necessary.
Extend the 5% council tax cap to town/parish councils. Introduce referendum thresholds for precept increases, as required for county and unitary councils. Mandate greater transparency and public consultation for budgetary decisions affecting council tax, ensuring local residents can voice their concerns. I believe capping at 5% will ensure that precept increases are proportionate to costs and will prevent unnecessary financial strain on households, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.

Timeline

22 Apr 2025 Petition opened for signatures
22 Oct 2025 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 79
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
Opened 22 Apr 2025
Closed 22 Oct 2025

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Aug 2026.