22-10-03

“Time to scrap Council Tax” – Barrett

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today called on the Labour Government to scrap council tax and replace it with a new, fairer system, based on people's ability to pay.

Speaking during question time to the Deputy Prime Minister in the House of Commons, John Barrett argued that council tax is one of the most unfair, unjust, regressive forms of taxation in the UK and said it was to time to scrap it altogether.
He also called on the Westminster Government to follow the example of the Scottish Executive, which is committed to holding a review of local government finance so a full debate can be had.

In a statement, John Barrett said:

"Council tax remains one of the worst of all British taxes.  The inbuilt unfairness of the system brings resentment amongst taxpayers and does nothing to help the relationship between councils and their communities.

"The fact is that those on low incomes, pensioners especially, spend a greater proportion of their money on council tax than the better off.  Next year's council tax increases will mean that pensioners will see a real terms income increase of only 15p a week.  This scandal cannot be allowed to continue.

"The Government should follow the lead of the Scottish Executive by holding a full review of the way councils are financed.  That way, we can have a proper debate and alternative fairer forms of taxes, which better reflect people's ability to pay, can be considered.

"There is growing consensus amongst people in Scotland and across the UK that the time has come to get rid of council tax altogether and to, once and for all, bring in a fair system for paying for our council services."

ENDS