Labour leader Keir Starmer faces backlash as council tax rises sharply, raising concerns over broken promises and financial stability amid criticism from opposition parties.
In a deeply troubling financial move, council tax in the UK is poised to increase by a staggering £2.9 billion this year, raising eyebrows and inciting widespread discontent. Critics are quick to highlight the glaring hypocrisy of Labour leader Keir Starmer, who campaigned vehemently in 2023 on a platform promising not to raise council tax. This latest decision has not only sparked outrage but has also bolstered claims of betrayal and disingenuousness from a leader who seems more focused on appeasing the establishment than keeping his promises to the electorate.
Those wary of Starmer point to a concerning trend of broken commitments, such as his abrupt cancellation of the Winter Fuel Payment, leaving ten million pensioners vulnerable—something he once vowed to defend. Adding insult to injury, the introduction of a “jobs tax” on National Insurance has been branded a blatant tax hike that ignores his previous pledges to protect working individuals. Farmers and small business owners, too, have expressed their frustration, lamenting the financial strain caused by Starmer’s policies that represent a departure from his initial promises of support.
Low-income families stand to suffer the most under this oppressive tax regime, with the council tax hike poised to weigh heavily on those already struggling to make ends meet. Local councils, already under immense financial pressure, are now being pushed to the brink, a situation exacerbated by what many view as Starmer’s politically motivated financial decisions. The record high levels of borrowing that Labour has incurred are seen as a direct threat to financial stability, with the sustainability of vital public services now in jeopardy.
Within Westminster, the reaction to these developments is sharply divided, as opposition voices rally against what they perceive to be a disastrous economic direction under Starmer’s governance. There is an urgent call for a political reckoning, as stakeholders demand bold actions to counteract the adverse effects of Labour’s financial changes in the upcoming emergency budget. As this narrative unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that it is the voices of the opposition party that are standing up against the detrimental policies instituted by the current Labour administration, advocating for accountability and genuine support for the people of the UK.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://newshubgroup.co.uk/news/average-council-tax-bills-rise-again-by-5-per-cent – This article supports the claim that council tax bills in England are rising by 5% in 2025-26, contributing to a total increase of £2.9 billion in council tax collection. It also mentions the political backlash against Labour’s policies.
- https://mhclgmedia.blog.gov.uk/2025/03/20/council-tax-levels-publication/ – This publication provides details on the council tax levels set by local authorities in England for 2025-26, including the average increase and the government’s stance on keeping taxes low.
- https://www.ajbell.co.uk/articles/latestnews/286813/council-tax-bills-great-britain-rise-5-third-year-row – This article corroborates the 5% increase in council tax bills across Great Britain for the third consecutive year, highlighting the financial pressures faced by councils.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-62544266 – Although not directly available in the search results, BBC News often covers UK political developments, including Labour’s policies and their impact on council tax and other financial issues.
- https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jun/14/keir-starmer-labour-leadership-election-manifesto – This article might provide context on Keir Starmer’s campaign promises, though specific details about council tax promises are not directly available in the search results.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references recent political developments and financial decisions, suggesting it is relatively current. However, specific dates and events like the 2023 campaign are mentioned, which could indicate some recycled content.
Quotes check
Score:
0
Notes:
No direct quotes are provided in the narrative.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Express, a publication known for sensationalism. While it is a well-established outlet, its reliability can vary.
Plausability check
Score:
7
Notes:
The claims about council tax increases and political reactions are plausible given current economic pressures. However, the narrative’s critical tone towards Labour’s policies may reflect a biased perspective.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears to be relatively current but lacks direct quotes and originates from a source with variable reliability. The plausibility of the claims is moderate, reflecting typical political discourse. Overall, while the narrative is plausible, its critical tone and lack of objective sources warrant further scrutiny.
