One-off grant settlements no substitute for action
Says LibDem Spokesman Chris Clarke

"One off grant settlements are a last minute sticking plaster, and no substitute for real action," says Liberal Democrats' Local Government Leader, Cllr Chris Clarke, OBE. "This is a cynical attempt to buy people off before the General Election. Straight after, the government is getting on with re- valuation. Millions of people will face increases of more than 40 per cent.

"Ministers annual last minute whip-round to curb council tax increases is crisis mismanagement. It will leave people facing double inflation increases on council tax, which is already too high and the un-fairest tax of all

"People deserve mature and well-planned public financing - not this kind of last-minute fix that Ministers do every year. Government can run but not hide from the black holes in the spending pressures it puts on councils.

"Council Tax is a bad tax - unfair and grossly inefficient. Ministers love talking about how people's homes have increased in value - but ask them about what that means for their council band re-valuation and there is an uncomfortable silence.

"Revaluation is going to be the New-Labour version of 'wealth re-distribution' from those whose houses go up a band and pay more to those in the top bands who can't go any higher - who ever heard of trickle-up?

"When the truth about re-valuation dawns on people, their reaction will make the poll tax riots look like an afternoon picnic. This Government is supposed to believe in progressive taxation - well Council Tax is a progressive tax - progressively worse for vulnerable, elderly, poorly paid and those not claiming the benefits they are due."