Council tax increases often spark considerable debate, but a near-doubling of local levies is bound to generate a strong reaction. When a local council, historically associated with a significant political figure, approves such a substantial rise, it naturally catches the public’s eye.
Mobopinions put this specific event to our audience, asking: “What’s your reaction to news that a local council, once favoured by Margaret Thatcher, has approved a 94% council tax increase?” We gathered 301 responses to gauge public sentiment on this striking development.
What’s your reaction to news that a local council, once favoured by Margaret Thatcher, has approved a 94% council tax increase?
The dominant sentiment regarding the 94% council tax increase is clear: the majority find it unacceptable. A significant 61.8% of respondents stated, “It’s an outrageous amount,” highlighting widespread disapproval of the decision.
While outrage was the leading reaction, some respondents offered a more tempered perspective. 21.9% viewed the increase as “a sign of difficult times for local councils,” acknowledging the financial pressures faced by local authorities. A smaller segment, 12.3%, indicated they “don’t follow this” news, while only 4.0% believed “It’s an isolated incident.”
- It’s an outrageous amount: 61.8% (186 answers)
- It’s a sign of difficult times for local councils: 21.9% (66 answers)
- I don’t follow this: 12.3% (37 answers)
- It’s an isolated incident: 4% (12 answers)
Who said what
When examining the results across demographics, the feeling of outrage was remarkably consistent. Among female respondents (n=231), 61.0% felt the increase was an outrageous amount, closely mirrored by male respondents (n=46) at 60.9%. Age groups showed some variation: the 45-54 cohort expressed the strongest disapproval, with 76.3% finding it outrageous. In contrast, among 35-44 year olds (n=75), 50.7% shared this view, while 61.9% of 25-34 year olds (n=113) also considered the amount outrageous.
Key takeaway
This poll indicates a strong public reaction against significant council tax increases, with the majority deeming a 94% rise as outrageous rather than a symptom of wider difficulties. It underscores the sensitivity of local taxation to public opinion. Explore more insights into public sentiment on current affairs by delving into Mobopinions research.
Methodology
Mobopinions Hot Question pulse poll of 301 respondents in GB. Respondents answered at the start of their survey session, before any screening.
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