COUNCIL tax hikes will eradicate almost two-thirds of the £150 government rebate for struggling households in Haslemere, Herald analysis of council tax plans has revealed.

With homes also facing a crippling £693 annual rise in energy bills, and working families also facing hikes to their National Insurance payments, Number 10’s £150 handout will be a drop in the ocean.

And when coupled with increases to mortgage payments as a result of last week’s interest rate increase, there are fears thousands could be plunged into poverty across the area.

Haslemere Town Council, Waverley and Surrey councils, and the police, have all proposed – and in some cases agreed – increases to their share of the council tax bill in recent weeks.

And subject to final approval by elected councillors, the Herald can project what the bottom line will likely be for ratepayers on April 1:

Haslemere Town Council approved a modest 0.36 per cent rise to its share of the council tax bill on January 22. It means the average Band D home will pay the town council £47.90 in 2022/23, up from £47.73 this year.

Waverley Borough Council’s full council is to consider a maximum-allowed 2.62 per cent rise at its meeting on February 22. It means the average Band D home would pay the borough council £195.79 in 2022/23, a £5 rise on the £190.79 paid out this year.

Surrey County Council, which takes by far the largest share of the tax bill, approved a maximum-allowed 4.99 per cent increase at its meeting on February 8 – including three per cent ring-fenced for adult social care.

It means the average Band D home will pay the county council £1,626 in 2022/23, up from £1,549.08 this year.

Surrey Police and Crime Panel approved a maximum-allowed 3.5 per cent rise in its share of the council tax bill on February 4. It means the average Band D home will pay the police £295.57 in 2022/23, a £10 increase on the £285.57 paid this year (see Page 28).

If Waverley’s proposed increase is approved later this month, it would mean a £92.09 (or 4.44 per cent) increase to the average Band D taxpayer’s bill in Haslemere.

In total, this would take the average Band D tax bill from £2,073.17 in 2021/22 to £2,135.26 in 2022/23.

Tax bills vary by towns and parishes, and by bandings set by the Valuation Office Agency.