Lib Dems Slam Thoughtless Tax Hike (North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats)

North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats <bedford@bedfordlibdems.org>

Lib Dems Slam Thoughtless Tax Hike

February 28, 2005 9:23 AM

Christine McHugh 2002 Liberal Democrat Mayoral Candidate

Christine McHugh Commenting Against Plans That Would Hike Up Council Tax Levels

Plans to raise the level of council tax by Bedford Borough Council have been slammed by local Lib Dems.

As part of an exercise looking at the council's future financial policies it is being suggested that the rate of council tax be increased. One suggestion is for Borough tax levels to be raised to the average level for district councils of a similar size. This would mean an increase of over 20% based on last years council tax levels. Liberal Democrats on the council have slammed the proposal which favours boosting the councils finances in response to the actions of other areas rather than because the local area demands it.

Speaking on the issue, Christine McHugh, Lib Dem Deputy Leader said:

"It's completely barmy that any council's ambition should be to become a council charging an average council tax. The council should be looking at the needs of this area and at ways to keep the council tax level down, not increasing it because that's what others have done. Increasingly we are seeing the Mayor and his Cabinet choosing to pass the buck when it comes to financial decisions. We've had calls for concessionary fares to be raised because Mid and South Beds have, now we have suggestions council tax be raised because someone somewhere else did. When are we going to see decisions made because they are in the best interests of local people, by the people that were elected to do that job?

"We aren't supporting proposals that raise council tax without good reason. The council's finances have been well maintained in recent years despite the severe financial pressures imposed by central government. This policy will simply undo all the work that has been carried out to keep council tax low over the years. What is needed are fewer initiatives which throw tax payers money away on costly white elephants and cosmetic improvements to council buildings and more sound financial policies which put local people and local decision making first.

ENDS