Labour’s plan to hike council tax by 5% and drain £1.5 million in reserves is a slap in the face for hardworking residents. Instead of easing the burden, they’re piling on more costs—despite receiving an extra £3.7 million under Conservative leadership last year, which allowed us to deliver one of the lowest council tax rises in the country (0.99%).
Labour is Making Life Harder for You
Life is already tough—soaring bills, stagnant wages, and rising business costs—yet Labour still wants to squeeze more from your pockets. A 5% tax increase isn’t small change; it’s a real hit to families already struggling to make ends meet.
The worst part? They didn’t have to do this. The government’s financial settlement for Hartlepool was higher this year. Labour had a chance to help you—but chose not to.
The Labour Government Gave Local Labour an Opportunity—They Blew It
The Government gave Hartlepool an 8.4% boost in Core Spending Power—above the national average of 6%—to help fix long-term issues. This included funding for children’s social care, the Recovery Grant, and extra support for National Insurance costs.
Labour could have used this funding to avoid tax rises and reserve raids. Instead, they’ve gone for the same old approach: tax more, spend more, fix nothing.
It’s clear: Labour is failing to lead. They’ve been handed a golden opportunity to reshape spending—yet here they are, burning through cash and hitting you with the bill.
What happens when redundancies start? When businesses collapse under rising costs? We’ve seen this before—Labour’s policies drive unemployment and economic decline.
Cllr Mike Young: “This is a Betrayal of Hartlepool”
Cllr Mike Young, Leader of the Opposition, has condemned Labour’s reckless budget:
"I am sadly in hospital, but would have been at Full Council if I could of been. That’s how important this is. Labour’s tax hike and reserve raid is a betrayal of Hartlepool residents. The Government gave them the funding to provide relief—yet they’ve chosen to do the opposite. Instead of reforming, they’re just hiking taxes and draining reserves. It’s a catastrophe in the making, and Hartlepool deserves better."
Cllr Rob Darby of hart Ward: "I've been forced to make redundancies in my business"
"I can speak from personal experience and not just as a Councillor - but a business owner. The Labour Party are bringing pain and desperation on the very people who contribute to the taxes of this country, people like me. The fact is that four people have been put on notice of redundancy and will leave at the end of March in preparation for Labours crazy tax increaes against businesses and growth. Council tax being raised and the pain it brings, business rates out of control. Where does this end. And you can't blame the Tories because Labour lied about the £22bn black hole too."
Cllr Bob Buchan: “Pensioners & Families Will Pay the Price”
Cllr Bob Buchan, former Chair of the Adults and Community Services Committee, warned about the devastating impact on the most vulnerable:
"Labour’s financial failures mean pensioners and struggling families are paying for their incompetence. Many older residents, already hit by the loss of Winter Fuel Payments, now face higher council tax bills on top of rising costs. Some will be forced into costly care services, which will cost the council even more in the long run. This isn’t just bad policy—it’s cruel."
The Truth About the Budget – Don’t Let Labour Fool You
Labour claims they were left with a £10m deficit, but the 2023/24 accounts tell a different story, look at what Conservatives left at the end of their tenure in charge:
✅ £34.3 million in earmarked revenue reserves
✅ £26 million in earmarked capital reserves
✅ £2.7 million in the Housing Revenue Account
✅ £5.5 million in the general fund reserve (up by £1.1m)
We didn’t just balance the books—we invested in Hartlepool’s future:
🔹 Highlight
🔹 Northern Film & TV Studios
🔹 The Production Village
🔹 Hartlepool Mayoral Development Corporation
These projects weren’t just pipe dreams—they were funded, delivered, and set to generate £300 million in returns based on the last investment made of £115 million.
Meanwhile, Labour’s big vision of the past? A fantasy mini-Venice and a Ferris wheel on Jackson’s Landing with no funding scope. Just pictures and record of decline.
Hartlepool Deserves Better
Labour’s reckless spending will hit your pocket—and when the reserves run dry, what next? More tax hikes? More cuts?
We won’t stand by while they damage our town. Hartlepool Conservatives will hold Labour to account and fight for a fair, sustainable budget that puts you first.
We did right by Hartlepool—now Labour is undoing it. And the worst part? You’re paying for it.
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