Burnham wins the case for 7.1% council tax hike

Mayor says he is ‘extremely conscious’ of rising cost of living

- JOSEPH TIMAN

GREATER Manchester residents will face a 7.1 per cent increase in part of their council tax bill from April as leaders approve spending plans for the next financial year.

Andy Burnham’s request to raise council tax for his budget has been approved.

The increase of £12 for Band D properties is made up of £5 for fire services and £7 for the general budget to cover bus reform and homeless shelters.

It comes after the police precept part of the bill was also raised by £10 for Band D households following protests by members of the public last week.