Blackburn with Darwen bosses accused of council tax 'greed'

The allegation was made by the borough's Conservative group leader Cllr John Slater as the authority's executive board debated its finances on Thursday night.

He said he was 'flabbergasted' at the proposal, in the light of the government's provisional local government financial settlement last month giving Blackburn with Darwen a higher than average increase in Whitehall grant.

His contribution was branded "absolute tripe" by deputy leader Cllr Quesir Mahmood, with other senior figures saying the rise was the only way to balance the books.

Cllr John Slater

Cllr Slater spoke out as the senior councillors debated a report by finance boss Cllr Vicky McGurk, which said even with the full 4.99 per cent rise allowed without calling a local referendum the authority faces a cash gap of £6.4 million in 2024/25, and a the forecast funding gap by 2026/27 estimated at £20.4m.

The final decision on the actual increase will be taken at its finance council meeting on February 26.

Cllr Slater said: "The government has increased Blackburn with Darwen's grant by 3.6 per cent, above the average for the country.

"This council has sold assets worth £39 million - selling the silver that belongs to the residents of this borough.

Cllr Vicky McGurk

"On top of that there are business rates and council tax outstanding in excess of £10m.

"In addition you have put up every charge you can do.

"The council has had an increase in core spending power every year for the past five years.

"I am flabbergasted by this proposed increase.

"It is sheer greed and incompetence.

"When are our residents going to get something back?"

Cllr Vicky McGurk replied stating the government figures were based on an expectation the council would impose the maximum council tax increase, of 2.99 per cent for general council tax, and two per cent for the adult social care precept.

If it did not do so the council would have to make cuts elsewhere, she added.

Education boss Cllr Julie Gunn said: "If we don't increase the council tax by the maximum we cannot balance the budget."

Growth boss Cllr Quesir Mahmood accused Cllr Slater of talking 'absolute tripe'.

Council leader Cllr Phil Riley said he was 'proud' of the authority's financial record at a time when other councils across England, both Labour and Tory controlled, were unable to balance their budgets, and the fact that its policies were improving residents lives by delivering thousands of new homes.