New figures this week reveal that the tax take from council tax bills have more than doubled under the present Labour Government. Locally the tax take by Lewes District Council has soared by an estimated £25 million under a Labour Government and a Liberal Democrat District Council. The news comes as new council tax bills are being sent out by Lewes District Council.

Across the South East Region Council Tax has risen by £2.55 billion under this Labour Government. This is the biggest cash rise of any region in the Country. It even exceeds the rise in London where Councils such as Fulham and Hammersmith have managed to cut council tax bills under careful management and efficient use of resources.

Jason says, “In percentage terms our Region’s rise under this Government of 162% is second only to the South West (168%). By Contrast the North East and North West Regions have had rises of only 107% and 101%. This illustrates how this Government have favoured the North of the Country to the detriment of the South.
Under Gordon Brown, council tax has been turned into the ultimate stealth tax – with taxpayers left to foot the bill imposed from Whitehall. People are paying more and getting less.”

“Whitehall must stop imposing unfunded burdens and regulations on town halls. But people power is also needed to control council tax. Conservatives will give local residents the power to veto high council tax rises through local referendums.”

“I remember when I was on the Lewes District Council I always argued for better value for money for Council Tax payers against the controlling Liberal Democrats. Under our proposals we will place local taxpayers back in control of town hall finances.”