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    Sunday, February 22

    Council tax expected to go up another 4.9% from April

    By
    UK one pound coins placed on a Council Tax Bill

    Southport residents will likely see their council tax bills shoot up by nearly 5% from April 2026.

    Councillors are set to meet and thrash out Sefton Council’s latest budget position at a special meeting at Bootle Town Hall this coming Thursday evening.

    Reports on the agenda include a revenue and budget document which sets out the council’s current financial position.

    The document includes a number of recommendations and proposals based on a council tax rise for bill payers across Sefton of 4.9%.

    Spiralling costs in both the adult and children’s social care sectors are some of the main focus points for the increase.

    The motion is likely to be approved despite expected heated debate in Bootle Town Hall’s Chamber.

    As well as an expected increase in council tax, Sefton Council are looking to sell off a number of assets.

    Lib Dem Cllr John Pugh, Southport’s former MP, said  “The ruling Labour group, who basically make all the spending decisions, either don’t understand how perilous Sefton’s budget position is or just don’t want to talk about it. 

    “Looking at the figures they have reached the end of the road. The revenue budget presented and passed through without any questioning is the last throw of the dice by an administration that has failed to get a grip. 
    “Services next year can only be properly funded if the sale of millions of pounds of council assets goes ahead. It’s like trying to meet your daily bills by selling your furniture on e- bay.”