Hilary Benn, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, commenting on the latest official figures on Council Tax for 2014/15, said:

“Despite David Cameron’s claims to be freezing Council Tax, more than a quarter of his own Tory-controlled councils are putting it up.

“Many people on the lowest incomes are having to pay far bigger Council Tax bills under this Government because of the reduction they have made to the Council Tax Support given to local authorities to keep bills down for those most in need.

“The truth is that while the Tory-led Government cut the top rate of tax for people earning over £150,000, everyone else is on average £1,600 worse off. This is a Government that stands up for the wrong people.”