CONSERVATIVES SLAM COUNCIL TAX (08/02/02)

The combination of underfunding from central government and a failure to fundamentally reassess the base budget has lead to the necessity of such an increase.

Conservative leader, John Smeaton said, ‘I cannot overemphasise the violation of local democracy on the part of this Labour Government. Continually they have placed increasing pressures on County Councils and yet have failed to provide the necessary funding to alleviate this burden.

‘New Labour have failed to provide Britain with improved services and have the audacity to say, “We have not increased taxes”. This is utter propaganda. They have placed the burden of raising tax on the shoulders of local authorities because they lack the honesty to be open with the public. A hefty proportion of this 12.9% rise is a stealth tax from Government, a Tony Tax, aimed at passing the work load and the blame for tax rises onto County Councils.’

Conservative finance spokesman and deputy leader, Colin Hill added, ‘we have accepted that the Liberal Democrats need this extra money in order to support existing public services. However, we intend to ensure that the money is spent wisely. We will reluctantly agree to increased taxation on this occasion, provided the money is used to better our roads and social services.

‘We will hold this Liberal Democrat administration to account. We demand improved efficiency at County Hall and to this end insist on a fundamental review of service provision.’