Sheffielders have been venting their frustrations online over a decision to raise council tax in the city by the maximum amount of 4.99%.

The decision was announced in the latest Sheffield City Council Budget and will cost most homes an extra £1.17 per week.

Reddit users on the r/Sheffield subreddit engaged in a heated discussion around the issue.

User Manonthemoon said: “I’m just tired. It’s like a race I can’t ever get ahead in. I get a minuscule raise from my low-paid job, and it’s instantly evaporated by this and all the other cost increases.”

According to the Office for National Statistics, in January 2024 49% of 2,270 sampled British households reported that their cost of living had increased in the previous month.

This ongoing Cost of Living Crisis makes the raise in council tax more difficult for Sheffield residents than it would have in previous years.

However, some argued that raising taxes is the only feasible option for the council.

User HelicopterFar1433 said: “The decision has effectively been made for them by national government. The alternative is even less service being carried out by the council and we’ve been witnessing what that has already done to the city for years.”

User Sean001001 said: “I know this is just one thing, but this is about £5 a month. I’d rather this than services get cut further. I’d really like something done about the litter.”

The budget for the Waste and Street Scene Committee will rise by £4.4mil (7% NRB) for 2024/25.

User Bike_Butch said: “Feels like the council is in a bit of an impossible position – told they are getting less and less funding from central government but still with services to run. 

“The unfortunate outcome is that without increased government support the services will probably get worse even though our bills increase meaning no one is happy.”