It's time to scrap council tax, not cap it - Brooke

3.56.18pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 27th Mar 2006

Speaking ahead of this afternoon's statement on Council Tax rises and capping, Annette Brooke MP said: "Another year, another council tax rise. Council Tax continues to soar under Labour, and it's clear they haven't got a clue what to do about it.

"Tinkering with capping will do nothing to help the millions of pensioners and hard working families who struggle to pay their ever-increasing bills.

"Gordon Brown has abandoned pensioners this year, refusing to repeat his pre-election bribe of a £200 rebate. It will be the first time pensioners' bills have risen since they took to the streets more than two years ago.

"Council Tax is deeply unfair, and it's time to scrap it, not cap it."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The history of Council Tax pensioner rebates:

Year Average Council Tax Rebate Net Council Tax

2003-4 £1102 £0 £1102

2004-5 £1167 £100 £1067

2005-6 £1214 £200 £1014

2006-7 £1264 £0 £1264