In the Commons yesterday Boris Johnson reasserted his commitment to tax cuts. Yet this month, the taxes of millions of earners will go up, partly through the freezing of income allowances. But one of the most insidious increases will come through council tax which will see the average charge in England rise above £2000 for the first time. 

The Chancellor is refunding £150 to cushion the blow of higher energy costs for those in bands A to D but at least half will be eaten up by the 3.5 per cent average council tax rise. Council tax has risen every year since 2011 as more costs are loaded onto local authorities. 

Taxpayers in some areas are also having to finance new forms of local governance, such as mayors in London, Manchester and the West Midlands.

The impact of council tax on household spending is emblematic of the pernicious spread of state levies far beyond headline income tax or VAT rates. National Insurance contributions will rise this month by 1.25 per cent for both earners and employers while income tax allowances, which normally go up in line with inflation, have been frozen.

Many councils are putting up their taxes to make up for cuts in central funding, allowing the Government to pass off the blame to local authorities. Clearly, many councils can make savings that will help reduce bills but are unprepared to do so. 

As we approach local council elections in England next month both parties will claim they give the best value for money. While some are better than others, we know from experience that the instincts of Labour authorities are to tax more in order to spend more. 

Conservatives should be seeking to keep taxes down while putting services under commercial pressure to improve and being sensitive as to costs, not profligate with other people’s money.