Tories hike taxes and slash services in Tunbridge Wells (Tunbridge Wells Liberal Democrats)

Tunbridge Wells Liberal Democrats <info@twlibdems.org.uk>

Tories hike taxes and slash services in Tunbridge Wells

January 29, 2006 7:03 PM

Happy about more money from your wallet ending up in the Tory's pockets?

Council bosses have revealed that they are planning to cut spending by £900,000 over the next three years, while raising council tax by 5%, the highest permitted under government capping rules.

Liberal Democrat borough councillor David Mills has spoken out against the proposals, saying "not only are people being asked to pay more without getting anything for it, they are actually going to be getting less!".

Councillor Mills blamed the rise on successive Tory administrations keeping rates "artificially low" in an attempt to win votes. "The Tories have always boasted about the low council tax" he said, "but now they have to backtrack, raising council tax by far more than inflation whilst simultaneously cutting services!". "When the Liberal Democrats ran the council in the mid 1990s, it had reserves of £60 million" said Councillor Tom Symondson. "They are now at £36 million and will be gone in a few years, squandered on keeping the council tax artificially low. They should have been spent making the borough a better place to live!"

The council has to consult on its budget proposals. This consultation lasts until 10 February, but hasn't been well publicised.