Welsh Conservatives have called on the Welsh Government to cap council tax rises and require local referendums on any proposed increases above the cap.

The latest figures show UK inflation rose to 3.1% in the year to August, up from 2.9% in July. The increase comes as Ofgem’s energy price cap is set to rise by 4% from October, adding pressure to household bills.

Addressing Wales’ Plaid Cymru First Minister in the Senedd, the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS, called on the Welsh Government to take practical steps to protect residents from excessive council tax increases, rather than continually demanding additional powers from Westminster.

Welsh Conservatives have also called for a properly independent review of the local government funding formula to ensure fairer funding to reflect the additional costs of delivering services in rural areas.

Mr Millar said: “Household budgets are under pressure from inflation, rising energy bills and the rising cost of everyday household bills.

“Average Band D council tax bill in Wales has risen by more than £600 over the past five years and some residents have seen increases of 50%.

“Instead of continually agitating for further powers from Westminster, the Welsh Government could use existing powers to introduce a cap on council tax and legislate to introduce a referendum if a local authority attempts to breach the cap.

“This cap could offer taxpayers some relief against the constant cycle of rising council tax bills.

“We also need a truly independent review of the local government funding formula. The current outdated formula fails to recognise the additional costs of delivering services in rural areas.

“The Welsh Government should act now to give council taxpayers greater protection against rising bills and fund frontline services more effectively and fairly,” added Mr Millar.