Tax rise in line with national target

Council Tax increases in Hull are in line with Government targets for local authorities. The Tax, which pays for vital local services, has increased by 4.5 per cent at the start of the new financial year.

When the amount paid to the Humberside Police Authority is taken into consideration, the overall rise for householders amounts to 5.1 per cent for 2002/3 - still below the suggested Government figure of 5.2 per cent.

About 90 per cent of the city's properties are in Bands A and B which saw annual increases of £24.19 and £28.22 respectively in City Council charges. The increase in the police precept means those householders also pay an additional £6.42 and £7.49 a year. For Band D the rises for the year are £36.29 (council) and £9.63 (police).

The Humberside Police Authority's total £6m budget increase is partly to allow it to strengthen Local Policing Teams.

You can pay your Council Tax by direct debit. All banks must now offer basic acccounts which allow direct debits to be paid. Once a direct debit has been set up, the correct amount will automatically be debited from your account every month. To find out more, ring 300300 or e-mail counciltax@hullcc.gov.uk