"Two more steps now needed"

11.12.01

Local MP welcomes Government "half-turn" on council tax, but presses for two extra measures to help the Kingston council taxpayer

Kingston and Surbiton's Lib Dem MP, Edward Davey, today welcomed news that the Government had given some of the cash back they had threatened to take from Kingston, but pressed on with his demand for full compensation.

MP Edward Davey today wrote to Stephen Byers, the Secretary of State responsible for Local Government, demanding changes in this provisional settlement to stop the remaining unfairness to Kingston. Commenting, Edward Davey said:

"This Parliamentary victory should save local council taxpayers money.

"By abolishing a complex subsidy cap*, as I had been calling for, Ministers have gone some way to removing a major unfairness to Kingston.

"But this is only a half-turn and the Government needs to take two more measures to help the hard pressed council taxpayer of Kingston. I've written to the Minister explaining why two more steps are now needed. Action on homelessness and the unfair ceiling on Kingston's increases are the best two chances to reduce the pain to Kingston this year.

"However, the challenge has now been laid down to the Conservative Cabinet ruling Kingston. Now get your act together, start managing your affairs properly and stop breaking your promises."