LOCAL CONSERVATIVES SLAM LABOUR’S BUDGET-BUSTING COUNCIL TAX INCREASE
Kirklees Conservatives have released their budget amendment for the annual budget meeting next week.
Leader of the Kirklees Conservative councillors, Cllr David Hall said, “As expected, Labour has chosen to raise council tax by 5%, the maximum allowable. This they do every single year, regardless of economic conditions, the level of council reserves or people’s ability to pay.
“We can’t go on raising council tax by the maximum allowed year after year, and certainly not now at a time of pandemic. Labour’s 5% increase is deplorable, given that many, many families have lost income and will struggle to pay the average extra £92 per year. The council has reserves for rainy days, and this is the time to use some of them.
Cllr John Taylor, the Deputy Leader of the Conservative councillors and finance spokesman added, “The Labour administration continues to plough its course without acknowledging that some of the services they provide are second rate, and these urgently need to be addressed.
“Our alternative plan provides better services, with a lower council tax, paid for by setting ambitious but fair efficiency targets for the whole organisation.
“Our plan crucially includes provision for a better bulky waste collection service, bin collections over Christmas, extra road re-surfacing, better digital connection, flood management and drainage improvements, and action to deal with air pollution and climate change.
“These are all areas where residents continually report dissatisfaction with Labour’s current services, and now is the time for change”.
