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Cross-party MPs Demand New PM Scraps Council-Tax Referendum Rule

7/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Cross-party MPs urged incoming Labour Prime Minister Mr Burnham to scrap England’s council-tax referendum rule.
They argue the rule is absurd and curtails local fiscal autonomy.
The current law requires a ballot when a council raises tax above 5 % or above 3 % for authorities without adult social-care duties.
Some councils have already received permission to raise council tax by more than 5 % without holding a referendum.

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Story summary

Cross-party MPs urged incoming Labour Prime Minister Mr Burnham to scrap England’s council-tax referendum rule.
They argue the rule is absurd and curtails local fiscal autonomy.
The current law requires a ballot when a council raises tax above 5 % or above 3 % for authorities without adult social-care duties.
Some councils have already received permission to raise council tax by more than 5 % without holding a referendum.