Labour could double council tax as councils have said that without a 10% tax hike the government will not be able to build more affordable housing, new research reveals.
The research shows that 84% councils do not have the funds to pay for the extra planning officers required, as the government has pledged to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years, GB New reports.
The Chancellor will have to dish out millions of extra cash which is needed to fund the planning departments across the District Council Network (DCN).
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There is widespread speculation that Rachel Reeves could include a hike in council tax on the Halloween Budget at the end of the month.
To ensure the 1.5 million new homes are built over the five year period the DCN are asking for a 10% hike in council tax across England.
Richard Wright, the DCN’s planning and growth spokesman said, “Councils are essential partners for the Government to achieve its national mission of driving growth and new homes – but we need to enhance and retain local expertise to do this successfully.
Planning departments have been among the most impacted in recent years as shrinking budgets have forced councils to reduce spending – but if the Government’s house-building revolution is to succeed, we need a step change in the recruitment and retention of planners.
“Properly resourced planners can help ensure the Government’s house-building plans will bring about hundreds of sustainable and well-sited new communities that provide housing which will stand the test of time.
With degraded planning expertise, we risk building housing in isolated locations which are beset by social problems, and in which no one wants to live.
