Altrincham residents could face a 7.49 per cent increase in council tax after the government approved funding.
The finance chiefs of Trafford Council were forced to ask for extra support following the government’s recent Fair Funding Review, which left the borough with a budget deficit of £24m.
The rise could mean that Trafford Council will avoid bankruptcy and be able to provide greater support for services for vulnerable adults, children in care, and homeless families.
Susanne Pollini, Altrincham resident and member of the Green Party, said: “Trafford [borough] is seen as an affluent area, but in reality it’s very diverse.
“The area where I live has become more affluent recently, but it’s a mixture of house associations and privately owned houses.
“A lot of the people in the area are not on huge salaries and with the rising cost of living, [the council tax rise] will hit everyone quite hard I think.”
This would be the second year in a row that the council tax has increased, and there have been a mixture of reactions from households about the prospect of another increase.
An Altrincham resident who chose to remain anonymous said to Quays News: “I’m actually okay with it. I’m more concerned that there’s money for adult and children’s services.
“I know people like to moan about paying tax and about ‘the council,’ whichever party is in charge, but so long as they’re looking after people who really need help, I’m okay with it.”
Another resident commented: “It’s not just the council tax going up, food is still going up at a great rate of knots.
“A lot of residents are on their knees with all the increases. The residents have had enough.”
The council tax increase still needs to be agreed by the Budget Executive Council on 5 March, and it will still mean that the borough will have the lowest council tax in Greater Manchester.
Trafford Council Leader Councillor Tom Ross said: “This has been a really tough request for us to make, but this increase is needed as it allows us to support increased spending where it is desperately needed – on vulnerable adults, children and homelessness.
“I know any council tax increases will be difficult for some people to manage, and many of our residents will be seeing rising costs in other aspects of their lives.
“We want to do everything we can to support those who may be facing financial hardship.”