Ministers shove up council tax

Council tax is set to increase - not just in Kingston, but in councils across London and the South East. Other London Boroughs are looking at rises of over 25%!

This is happening, irrespective of the political party in power.

Why? Is it because different councils have got together, and agreed a wicked secret, cross-party deal? Of course not.

The truth is, central Government has forced them into this. That's why I voted in Parliament against the settlement Ministers gave Kingston and others.

How is central government forcing councils to hike taxes? Mainly by telling councils exactly how they must spend their grant. This leaves councils no choice.

Ministers told our Council it must give schools more money than Ministers were giving Kingston, for everything.

Kingston's total grant increase was one million pounds less than the rise Ministers required the council to give education alone. The implication?

Government was effectively ordering Kingston, you must shove up your tax and/or slash non-education services - like road maintenance, vulnerable children protection, services to the elderly and rubbish removal.

Kingston is not alone - this year's council tax rises, averaged across the country, will be a record.

Why are Ministers doing this? Buck passing.

Labour wants councils to bear the blame for these unfair tax rises, instead of central Government. Don't be fooled.