Abolish council tax and fund local councils from national taxation

Council tax is increasingly unaffordable during the cost of living crisis, especially for working households and private renters who we think receive little support. Bills rise regardless of income, and in some areas extreme increases can follow council financial mismanagement, which can unfairly shift the burden to residents. Council tax is regressive and generally does not reflect ability to pay. Local services should be funded through fair national taxation instead.