FinanceBAM News

A story in the June 23, 2007 edition of Yahoo Finance stated that Council tax has risen by almost three times the rate of inflation over the past ten years. Research from Halifax showed that the average household council tax bill has nearly doubled over the past decade. The average is currently 91% higher than when Tony Blair took office.

Over the same period, average earnings have only increased by 51% while retail price inflation has risen by 31%.

The average UK household now has to pay 1,078 pounds to cover the annual charge to the billing authority, compared to 564 pounds in 1997/1998.

Residents of Monmouthshire have seen the largest increase over this time with council tax hikes being at 184%.

The South East is said to be the most expensive region in terms of council tax per household. Wales is the cheapest.