The council said that ‘without raising council tax we would need to look at further cuts to services’
Council taxpayers in Bolton can expect a 4.99 per cent rise in bills from next April. A consultation on a proposed increase in council tax of 4.99 per cent for the year 2026-2027 will run from Monday, December 15 to noon on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The proposal for the increase was previously consulted on last December and January before in February 2025 the council approved a two-year budget, with a presumption of a council tax rise in 2026-2027. The council is legally required to consult on changes to council tax every year, meaning that people will have a second opportunity to voice their opinions.
A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “With household budgets squeezed by the cost of living, we’re very conscious that the last thing people want to think about is an increase in council tax. That said, the council provides many vital services like care for older and vulnerable adults, help for families, and regeneration projects that are improving our town centres.
“And as well as being under pressure to meet rising demand, the council is juggling the same increases in costs as everyone else. It means that without raising council tax we would need to look at further cuts to services. “With all of that in mind, it’s important that we hear people’s feedback as we work to meet our legal requirement to deliver a balanced budget.”
If the anticipated rise goes ahead as planned it would add around £113 to yearly bills for the Bolton council element for a typical band D household.
The agreed two year budget, approved last February, saw the council rein back on plans to bring in new charges, including for some bin collections.
While the town was under huge pressure to balance the books, the Labour-run authority said it had an improved financial position following ‘a more generous government settlement than anticipated’.
Despite the settlement, the council said it planned to use £17.4m of its cash reserves to balance the budget over the two year period.
