Council tax redistribution: “big mistake”, say Lib Dems

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Responding to the Government’s plan to redistribute council tax from areas in the South, Vikki Slade MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Local Government, said:

“It would be a big mistake for the Government to force councils into unfair council tax rises just to keep basic local services going. Councils all across the country have been left on the brink after years of neglect by the Conservatives, but these proposals risk making things far worse in so many parts of the country.

“At a time when councils desperately need support, it beggars belief that Angela Rayner is considering reducing funding entitlements for many, including councils which already receive very little grant funding. This would leave lots of local authorities teetering on a financial cliff edge. Now Labour could condemn them, after already dragging its heels on social care reform, without which councils face spiralling costs.

“Liberal Democrats will stand up for the parts of the country which face bearing the brunt of these changes - and urge the Government to scrap these misguided plans. The Government must also move much faster on social care, finishing the review by the end of this year.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Please see reporting on the story here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/20/council-tax-rise-south-fund-north-angela-rayner/