THE 'Andy Burnham charge' has been cut by £1 for some properties.

The controversial Mayoral precept was announced last month and would have seen Band D properties paying an extra £9 and Band B properties (the Manchester average) an extra £7.

Now Band D will be charged £8 and the Band B figure has been reduced to £6.30.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: “I’ve been clear throughout this process that, along with Greater Manchester’s 10 Leaders, we will do everything we can to keep residents’ Council Tax bills as low as possible while protecting essential services. That is why, after receiving the final tax base figures from districts and reassessing reserves in the Fire and Rescue Service budget, we have been able to cut the proposed Mayoral precept.

“I recognise that it is a big ask for people to pay anything more, especially in these difficult times. I hope that today’s decision shows that we have done everything we can do keep bills as low as possible but also achieve our vision to make Greater Manchester one of the best places in the world.”

After an assessment of the finalised tax base figures from Greater Manchester’s local authorities and reassessing reserves in the Fire and Rescue Service budget, the Mayor has been able to reduce the Mayoral general precept that will be part of each household’s Council Tax bill.