CONSERVATIVE 2.5% COUNCIL TAX PROPOSAL REJECTED (23/02/05)

At a meeting of the Somerset County Council today, the Lib Dem and Labour members threw out the Conservative alternative budget proposals, which would have reduced the rise in Council Tax to 2.5%. Insisting that they knew best and not listening to reason, the Lib Dems maintained their decision to raise the Council Tax by 3.5%, which was strongly opposed by Conservative Members.

"Somerset Council Tax payers have seen their Council Tax rise by 86% over the last 8 years of Lib Dem rule. This cannot be allowed to continue," commented Bob Little, the Conservative Finance Spokesman. "Despite all the pressures, there are ways to provide a more cost effective service to the residents of Somerset. We have shown how it can be done. The Lib Dems certainly know how to spend money - just consider how over £1.5 million has been wasted on the speed sign fiasco and £1.5 million on senior management re-structuring.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact Robert Little, Conservative Finance Spokesman, tel 01963 220288