Diane Stearn

HOUSEHOLDERS in Cambridge are set to have their council tax bills rise by an average of £37 a year. But while the public purse is stretched, city residents are already faced with spiralling energy costs, rising fuel prices and bigger bills at the supermarket check-out at a time when incomes remain stagnant. While councillors have defended the rise, Charlotte Orson asks people whether the tax hike is one rise too many.

Chris Brooks

Tess Somervell, 21, a student at Clare College, Cambridge who lives in Chesterton Road, said: “I’m very glad I don’t have to pay council tax yet. I can see why it’s necessary to put it up but sympathise with people who are reluctant to pay and can’t see what benefit they’re getting from it.”

Chris Brooks, 53, a retired police officer from Haddenham, near Ely, said: “It’s difficult as my wife and I have both worked in public services and police and NHS budgets are being squeezed. Obviously we don’t want council tax to go up but need to use the services which it pays for.”

Diane Stearn, 59, a supply teacher from Waterbeach, said: “I’m not pleased as everything seems more expensive than ever at the moment. I think it’s going to hit me quite hard especially with a job you cannot guarantee. I feel like I’m being squeezed from all sides.”

Jessica Fordham, 21, of Hills Road, Cambridge, said: “I’m on benefits so it doesn’t affect me as much because I get council tax benefit. But not having a job gets me down. I think if things like council tax keep going up people will be better off not working which isn’t right.”

Jerron Nil, 27, a bank cashier who lives in Chesterton, said: “The council should work within their own budgets and have frozen the council tax for another year. Pay is not rising in relation to how other bills are rising. Incomes are flat and the increase will make it difficult for everyone.”

Sarah Stevenson, 28, and Andrew Crampin, 22, live off Station Road, Cambridge. Andrew, who is self-employed, said: “I think the council should try and save money in other ways. Perhaps less money at the top end of the pay scale. It’s the worse time for people to have their council tax put up.”

Sarah, a chef, said: “It’s the worse time possible. People are under a lot of pressure.”