Swindon Labour Council Tax condemnation

Swindon Labour Group has condemned the planned Council Tax increase for the borough.

Borough councillors are to be asked to approve an increase of 4.99 percent - the most the tax can be increased by without putting the matter to a public vote.

The increase, if approved, will represent an additional £5.91 per month for the average household.

Cllr Kevin Small, Swindon Labour group’s finance spokesperson, said: “After the worst recession of any major economy and with the virus still not under control, families across Swindon are already worried about paying the bills. 

"Now they’re being asked to pay an average of £93 more for a Band D property. 

“The Government promised to do whatever was necessary and support councils during this pandemic – yet the Prime Minister is breaking that promise with this council tax hike.

“Nationally, Labour is calling for the government to scrap this planned Council Tax rise and stand by their pledge to do whatever necessary to support councils.

“In Swindon, while Council Tax has kept going up local services haven’t improved. 

"Under the Conservatives people have paid more but got less, and all the while the Conservative council has racked up millions in debt. A Labour council would get the basics right.”