Annette Brooke Urges Government to Consider Replacing Unfair Council Tax

6.03.00pm GMT Fri 6th Feb 2004

Only the Lib Dems have proposed an alternative to the unpopular Council Tax

Lib Dem MP for Mid Dorset, Annette Brooke, yesterday challenged the Minister for Local Government directly on the financial settlement for Mid Dorset.

Speaking on behalf of her constituents who have written to express their fears of a further massive increase in Council Tax this year, Mrs. Brooke outlined the problems facing the councils serving Mid Dorset and the financial pressures they must overcome.

"Week after week, I receive letters from constituents who are extremely worried about future council tax increases; it is certainly the biggest single issue that is raised with me."

"I believe that my constituents are suffering because there is inadequate funding from central government and such a shortfall in funding puts extra pressure on the council tax. The local councils cannot be judged as inefficient. Last year, Dorset was judged excellent and Poole only point less than excellent.

"We have unfair funding and an unfair tax. The Government could address the funding formula to factor in high house prices and low wages in the area, and also consider that Dorset has particular pressures on social services with the highest proportion of older people of all county councils. School children in Poole continue to receive some of the lowest funding per head in the whole country.

"Council tax should be scrapped and replaced with a tax related to ability to pay. Even a 5 per cent increase is unacceptable to those on low or fixed incomes as it is still twice the rate of inflation and will erode living standards."

In her speech to the Minister, Mrs. Brooke raised the issue of the outdoor education centre, 'Leeson House', funding for Dorset Police and Fire services, funding pressures on Poole Borough Council, Dorset County Council, Purbeck and East Dorset District councils, especially regarding education funding, recycling facilities, affordable housing and the effect of the council tax on those with fixed incomes - notably pensioners.