Tory Council Budget shock

12.00.00am GMT Sat 8th Mar 2003

Tories back to their old ways!

The Tory Group controlling the Council has announced a council tax increase of 15.6%, which gives the borough by far the highest council tax in London. This is the highest increase in local tax since the Tories were last in power in 1983/4, when the increase was 30%.

The Tories refused a Liberal Democrat amendment to reduce the increase to under 10% saving the average band "E" tax payer £77 pa. This would have made Richmond's council tax lower than that in Harrow, Havering and Kingston.

This massive rise comes in spite of closing down virtually all the public conveniences and a whopping increase in day centre charges from £12 per annum to £5 per visit.

Liberal Democrats believe that the increase is entirely unnecessary as vast sums are being transferred build a war chest. Speaking at the Council Meeting, Serge Lourie, Liberal Democrat Leader said "We believe the council tax increase should have been 9.85%. "

"The Tories will end next year with £17-18m. in reserves, which is ridiculous as the District Auditor has said publicly that the £5.5 million at the end of last year was acceptable."