We’re waiting for the draft budget to be published which is scheduled as it stands for the 6th January 2026 as part of the reports for the Executive on 14th January 2026.
I’d be surprised if the Government issued anything further in the meantime. Although, you’d anticipate a lot of one to one communication with Councils negatively affected by the settlement proposals. Trafford is certainly looking to discuss.
Despite there being little to report, I do think the data published by the Government each year on council tax changes is worth a glance, particularly as Alison McGovern seemed to put some stall on average council tax.
The table below compares the rates paid in Trafford to the average in England* and to Stockport. The year 25/26 is the first time that Trafford has closed the gap by even the most marginal amount.
*not totally sure I’m comparing like for like on the average table as both county councils and mayors are not universal. As Stockport is a GM council, there’s much more assurance in the comparison.
Trafford still has a low council tax regime. Over the decades this meant Trafford denying itself millions year on year. Some might argue that this is due to Trafford having a tight political competition for control, but if anything, the competition in Stockport has been even more fierce. So, it is what it is, but isn’t allowing sudden changes in income to be cushioned against.
Leave a Reply