Unfair Council Tax Must be Kept Down!

6.09.00pm GMT Mon 6th Dec 2004

A senior Bath Liberal Democrat Councillor and Chair of the Council's influential Resources Scrutiny Panel, Cllr David Dixon, is leading calls to keep local Council Tax increases to a minimum following recent statements by the Conservative Executive Member for Resources.

Cllr David Dixon (Liberal Democrat; Walcot) Chairs the Council's Resources Scrutiny Panel, says:

"I am very concerned that people have been given the impression of high council tax increases.

"It is certainly true that although the settlement from Government looks generous there are, as always, many hidden costs and caveats. We also face significant spending pressures in areas such as single status employment, a shortfall in our pension fund and additional responsibilities the Government has given us.

"It is important, though, to remember that the Council Tax is an unfair form of taxation that hits families and pensioners far harder than those with higher incomes. To consider high increases would not be justifiable.

"Personally I hope that any increase can be kept at the same level as last years or even lower. We must abolish this unfair form of tax."

The Liberal Democrats are opposed to Council Tax and have led the national campaign 'Axe the Tax' that proposes scrapping it and replacing it with a fairer system based on ability to pay. The Conservatives who introduced the Council Tax after the previous disaster of the Poll Tax oppose this.

Last year the Council set a tax increase of 4.75%. This was the second year in a row that Liberal Democrat Councillors had supported a tax increase far below that of the national average.

Additional fear is spreading though that the Government are hiding a massive increase in Council Tax bills for the following year, after the General Election. Welsh taxpayers have seen their bills increase by up to 40% in some areas after a review of the house bands. The Government are planning to start such a review in the Bath area next year and it is feared that record house price increases may see the Government force Council Tax up by over 40% as a stealth tax. Liberal Democrats are stepping up their pressure on the Labour Government to abolish the Council Tax.

Contact: Cllr David Dixon on 07900 974975 or 01225 462590 Or if you cannot get the above contact Tim on 01225 477419 07776 437161 for assistance.