A Conservative councillor has blasted the council for “wasting money” as residents are faced with a “shocking” hike in council tax.
The tax is set to go up by 4.99% – the maximum the council is allowed without holding a referendum.
Against a backdrop of inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, Simche Steinberger, councillor for Springfield ward, slammed the council for the move: “I think it’s absolutely shocking the way they expect people to pay so much money.”
Following the increase, those in band D homes will have to pay £1,773.29 a year.
Steinberger added that the council is leaking funds by addressing the wrong issues like imposing Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and closing roads: “I see everyday money being wasted.
“They are absolutely robbing the council with their hobbies.
“They’re paying roughly two and a half million pounds for that rubbish.”
Hackney Conservatives have proposed cuts to council tax – with £64.84 off band D houses, compared with the £63.65 increase made by the council.
Residents struggling the most can apply for council tax relief, but Steinberger claimed that “the most vulnerable residents are still being schlepped to court with bills up to £6000.
“There’s a lot of money to be saved. If you’ve got the right people running the council,” he added.
