Council Tax has now rocketed 42% in just 3 years, as once again the 'spend, spend, spend' Labour Councillor's (with Liberal support) have forced through another wallet busting Council Tax hike.
Each and everytime, the Conservative Councillors have voted against these hikes, putting forward a lower level.
We understand that local residents simply can not afford a 42% hike in Council Tax.
Not only do we put forward the lowest level of Council Tax, but we are clearly showing that we are the only Party to drive down Council Tax.
In 2002, and 2003, Council Tax jumped by 15% each time under Labour. Following our gains of 6 new Councillor's in the May 2003 elections, we were able to launch a Budget Task Group which poured over the £180 million Council spending.
This Budget Task Group identified £ millions of savings, including the £2.5 million 'lost' in an old housing revenue account. The Budget Task Group also helped make sure the books balanced this year, and there wasn't a massive overspend which would have forced Council Tax up even further. Rather than supporting the excellent work of the Budget Task Group, the Labour and Liberal Councillor's have refused to take an active role, which is unacceptable.
This years Budget Task Group savings prevented a 3rd, 15% Labour Council Tax hike in a row. If we had not taken this tough line on spending, the facts are clear the 3rd, 15% hike would not have been avoided.
It is only the Conservatives who are prepared to drive down Council Tax, and we will continue to focus on making sure our Council money is spent wisely.