Powys Council tax increase - Mick Bates comment

Release/Rhyddhau: 02/03/06

Contact/Cyswllt: Ceirion Rees:
029 2089 8342/ 07733280105/ ceirion.rees@wales.gov.uk 

Commenting on Powys council's 5% increase in Council Tax, Mick Bates, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Montgomeryshire said:

"The above average increase in Council Tax is indicative of a Labour Government that does not understand the needs of rural Wales.   Year on year we receive a poor settlement from central Government.  This forces the council to put tax up.

"The challenge for all elected members is to persuade the Governments in Westminster and Cardiff that all policies should be given rural proofing.  We must make sure that Ministers know the needs or rural Wales, fight for a better settlement and keep council tax as low as possible.

"We must also not forget the inequalities of the council tax system.  It is based on value of property, not ability to pay.  As a result it hits us in rural Wales especially hard.  We live in an area where the cost of living is much higher.  Accessing services and getting to work costs a lot more than any other part of Wales.  Running a car in Powys, for example, is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

"I will now be meeting councillors to discuss how to take this issue further and keep council tax as low as possible."