Pat Attacks Council Tax Rise

6.36.59pm GMT Sat 11th Mar 2006

Lib Dem Councillor Pat Knight has condemned the latest rise in Council Tax in Croydon. Speaking at a recent meeting of the Croydon Council, Pat attacked the ruling Labour group for another inflation-beating increase.

"This is another Council tax rise with a double the rate of inflation increase," said Pat, who also pointed out that this latest budget "has to be set in the context of the extortionate increase in 2003/4 and high increases in the subsequent two years."

Whilst welcoming some aspects of Labour's plans - such as widening door-to-door recycling, she condemned the closure of the Crosfield Sheltered Workshop and of two old people's homes.

Pat also pointed out the regressive nature of the Tax, hitting those on low or fixed incomes especially hard, and that there would be no £200 rebate for the retired this year.

Related Links:

Watch Pat's speech in full. Find 'Council Tax Meeting - 28th February' (click and drag to 1hour, 30 minutes)

Only the Lib Dems have a viable alternative to the Council Tax, which is also fairer