The County Council’s budget consultation has revealed very strong support for the Conservative-run authority’s plans to freeze council tax– even among groups who use council services most. In a statistically representative sample of county residents, 74% backed the freeze, with 17% opposing it. Even among service users, who regularly receive council help, 64% supported the freeze, with 19% opposed. The research, which was carried out independently, asked respondents if they backed a council tax freeze, even if it limited the council’s ability to raise funds in future. It formed part of the statutory consultation that the council has to carry out prior to setting its council tax for the year.

The results will be presented to a meeting of the council’s cabinet tomorrow, which will consider recommendations that Gloucestershire County Council’s share of council tax be frozen for a second year running. In the four years of the last Lib Dem and Labour administration, council tax rose by an average of 8% per year. Under the Conservatives since then, it has risen by an average of 2.4%.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, commented:

“These results are a resounding vote of support from people in Gloucestershire for the Conservative plans to freeze council tax – and for the coalition Government’s decision to give us the money to do so. We’ve always worked hard to keep tax down, but when money is short for everyone it is even more important than ever that the council avoids the old Lib Dem and Labour route of huge tax hikes at Shire Hall.”