Over 100 people protested in Bradford against a proposed Council Tax increase, citing wasted money and service cuts.
Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe addressed the request. She said the “one-off increase” was a serious matter. It would let the council borrow less money, as this borrowing helps balance the budget. The council said this rise matches other areas, noting that other West Yorkshire councils have higher tax income.
Opposition councillors called the plan “shameful,” and a protest was planned outside City Hall. Hari Singh, age 44, organized the protest, which took place on February 15th. He also created a “Save Our City” Facebook page to support the movement.
Singh said many people felt unhappy and needed a way to unite. He grew up in Lidget Green and Allerton. He now works in marketing, self-employed, and reported a “good turnout” on Saturday, where speakers shared their views with attendees.
Singh said the tax rise was the final straw. People were upset about wasted money and saw unfinished projects citywide, disliking proposed budget cuts. The initial 15 percent request angered people, as many cannot afford current bills, making any increase a sad danger.
Dennis White, 56, teaches in Bradford and belongs to the education union. He said Council Tax is already too high, hurting poor residents especially. He stated the council cuts services instead.
He believes representatives must fight service cuts. Bradford needs funding urgently, he says, as the city faces poverty. Bradford’s city center is being updated, becoming pedestrian-friendly.
One speaker claimed foot traffic decreased, and people struggle to access the area now. This is due to problems like the Bradford Interchange. Bradford Live and Darley Street Market, are other cited problems from the protest and have been delayed.
Singh thinks people accepted earlier cuts. Changes are needed now because of recent things. Bradford risks becoming a ghost town, he fears, saying that businesses won’t come or stay here.
A city needs businesses to regenerate. People will live there, but nothing grows. Most protestors stayed until 1:30 pm. Another protest is planned for March 1st, starting at 1:30 pm outside City Hall. Bradford United Against Austerity will lead it.