LIB DEMS' TAX BOMBSHELL

Lib Dems in Somerset unveiled their tax bombshell just days before the local elections on June 4^th, calling for a scheme that would see the average hard-working family in Somerset pay £1,609 more tax a year.

At a meeting of Somerset County Council today, Lib Dems called for a change in the local tax system, petitioning central government for an end to property-based tax and moving towards a system of local income tax

Although the Lib Dems claim that this will be a fairer system for all Somerset residents, hard-working families are likely to have to pay an average of £1,609 more tax a year. Even senior Lib Dems in Westminster have admitted that many people's tax bills would soar under the proposals.

Ken Maddock, Conservative Group Leader on Somerset County Council, responded to the Lib Dems' proposals. He said, "We all accept that the system of Council Tax is not perfect, but the Lib Dems' plans for local income tax are not a viable alternative. Asking hard-working families to pay £1,609 more tax each year is unacceptable, especially during this recession. The answer is not just to push the burden onto someone else.''

He concluded, "The electorate in Somerset have a clear choice on June 4^th. The Lib Dems are telling us that if they get their way, the average hard-working family will have to pay £1,609 a year more in tax. Under a Conservative government and Conservative County Council in Somerset, we guarantee to freeze Council Tax for at least 2 years.''

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For more information: contact Councillor Ken Maddock, Leader of Somerset County Council's Conservative Group, 01458 850906.

Ref: 20May09a