6.1% increase means 'Axe the Tax' say Lib Dems

10.02.41pm GMT Sun 29th Feb 2004

Council Tax must be scrapped say Lib Dems

Liberal Democrats in Northampton were out collecting signatures this weekend as part of their campaign to scrap the council tax.

Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Northampton North Andrew Simpson said "Taxpayers in Northampton are now paying 80% more than they were nearly ten years ago and with the latest 6.1% increase Council Tax must be scrapped"

Liberal Democrats are calling for Council Tax to be replaced with a Local Income Tax which according to their figures would mean 70% of people presently paying Council Tax would be better off.

"Local Income Tax is fairer as it is based on the ability to pay" said Andrew Simpson " It would also be more efficient and save Councils the cost of collecting money - in Northampton a Pensioner couple on a joint income of £14,600 would pay just £22 under a Local Income Tax for a band D property whilst under council tax they would pay £1,157.95. Council tax increases more than inflation and more than pensions hits those on low income the most"