Most English councils ‘consider maximum tax rise’

Three quarters of local authorities in England are considering putting up council tax to the maximum possible level, according to a new report, as MPs vote on next year’s funding settlement.

Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid has already offered £150 million for social care in a bid to avert a backbench rebellion. But Conservative-run Northamptonshire has already banned new spending because it’s so strapped for cash.