Despite calls for this to be removed, the power for a new Mayor to set a precept on Council Tax to fund Mayor Functions is still in the devolution agreement. This means that any new Mayor can put your Council Tax up whenever they want. Matthew, as your new Mayor will immediately commit to bringing forward a legislative framework to make it possible for any future Mayor to introduce a precept.
Councillor Relf said, “Despite promises from both the Conservative and Labour Parties not to introduce a new Council precept – the line remains in the agreement like a dangled carrot. In Greater Manchester, Mayor Burnham charges £107.95 a year to a Band D, average household. In a cost of living crisis, I will not charge any Council Tax payer, a single penny extra. I am asking my Conservative and Labour opponents to pledge the same.”