Pensioners - level of Council Tax

Recent increases in the state pension do not reflect the rise in price of several essential items such as gas, electricity and council tax. Council tax, in particular, is increasingly difficult for people on low and fixed incomes, such as pensioners.

Since this Government came to power in 1997, council tax bills have risen by a staggering 92 per cent across England. Council tax is increasingly unaffordable for people on low and fixed incomes, such as pensioners,

It is important to be clear as to why council tax has risen so much. Simply put, the Government has imposed many burdens, regulations, inspection and red tape onto councils without providing the necessary funds. It as a form of stealth taxation. Coupled with this is the Government’s low level of funding for Surrey. Despite constant lobbying by Surrey M.P.s,, Surrey has suffered year-on-year low funding settlements. Despite harsh budgetary cutbacks, this is having a real impact on the level of council tax bills and both the County and District Councils’ ability to provide us with good roads, drainage, social care and a host of other services. I am working with other Surrey M.P.s in pressing the Government to recognise the real needs of Surrey in its funding decisions.

I shall continue to campaign against the Government’s agenda to raise council tax yet further through its plans for a council tax revaluation, higher council tax bands and a new house price tax. Councils should be relieved of the unfunded burdens that have forced up council tax. Furthermore, councils should have more freedom and discretion to fund their local priorities and the unelected, unwanted and costly regional assemblies should be disbanded. At least in Elmbridge this year Council Tax was not raised although the SCC component did rise.

November 2007