Gloucester

The County Council’s budget consultation has revealed very strong support for the Conservative-run authority’s plans to freeze council tax– even among groups who use council services most. In a statistically representative sample of county residents, 74% backed the freeze, with 17% opposing it. Even among service users, who regularly receive council help, 64% supported the freeze, with 19% opposed. The research, which was carried out independently, asked respondents if they backed a council tax freeze, even if it limited the council’s ability to raise funds in future. It formed part of the statutory consultation that the council has to carry out prior to setting its council tax for the year.