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11/05/2004
Lib Dems pledge to scrap council tax
Liberal Democrat councillors elected at next month's local elections will work to scrap the council tax, party leader Charles Kennedy has pledged today.
In London today, Mr Kennedy launched his party’s local election campaign – 'Liberal Democrat themes for the 2004 local elections' – saying that every vote for the Liberal Democrats will be a vote to scrap "Britain's most unfair tax".
The party has proposed a locally assessed income-tax scheme to replace the council tax.
Ahead of the June 10 poll, the party will also campaign on providing "value for money services", protecting the environment, creating safer communities, investing in affordable housing and leading economic regeneration.
Mr Kennedy said: "Every Liberal Democrat vote in this year’s local elections will be a vote to scrap council tax. Council tax is now Britain’s most unfair tax and it’s time it was replaced with a fair tax related to people’s ability to pay.
"Only the Liberal Democrats are campaigning to scrap council tax, and only the Liberal Democrats have a positive alternative. Many people on low and modest incomes would see a tax cut under our plans, which are based on best practice in America and Europe.
"With the government concluding their review of council finance just after these local elections, people have a real chance to influence that policy and send a clear message to the government that they want the end of the unfair council tax."
Mr Kennedy was joined at the launch by Lib Dem Local Government spokesman Edward Davey and leader of Milton Keynes council, Cllr Isobel Wilson. The chair of the party’s Campaigns and Communications Committee, Lord Tim Razzall, chaired the event.
(gmcg)
In London today, Mr Kennedy launched his party’s local election campaign – 'Liberal Democrat themes for the 2004 local elections' – saying that every vote for the Liberal Democrats will be a vote to scrap "Britain's most unfair tax".
The party has proposed a locally assessed income-tax scheme to replace the council tax.
Ahead of the June 10 poll, the party will also campaign on providing "value for money services", protecting the environment, creating safer communities, investing in affordable housing and leading economic regeneration.
Mr Kennedy said: "Every Liberal Democrat vote in this year’s local elections will be a vote to scrap council tax. Council tax is now Britain’s most unfair tax and it’s time it was replaced with a fair tax related to people’s ability to pay.
"Only the Liberal Democrats are campaigning to scrap council tax, and only the Liberal Democrats have a positive alternative. Many people on low and modest incomes would see a tax cut under our plans, which are based on best practice in America and Europe.
"With the government concluding their review of council finance just after these local elections, people have a real chance to influence that policy and send a clear message to the government that they want the end of the unfair council tax."
Mr Kennedy was joined at the launch by Lib Dem Local Government spokesman Edward Davey and leader of Milton Keynes council, Cllr Isobel Wilson. The chair of the party’s Campaigns and Communications Committee, Lord Tim Razzall, chaired the event.
(gmcg)
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31 March 2005
Lib Dems pledge to scrap 'unfair' council tax
The Liberal Democrats have vowed to scrap the "unfair" council tax, on the 15th anniversary of the poll tax riots. The party said that the council tax should be replaced with a local income tax, based on the ability to pay.
Lib Dems pledge to scrap 'unfair' council tax
The Liberal Democrats have vowed to scrap the "unfair" council tax, on the 15th anniversary of the poll tax riots. The party said that the council tax should be replaced with a local income tax, based on the ability to pay.
20 April 2005
Tories & Lib Dems launch council tax plans
The Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have both unveiled plans to tackle council tax. The Conservatives have pledged to cancel Labour’s planned revaluation of homes in England for the council tax.
Tories & Lib Dems launch council tax plans
The Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have both unveiled plans to tackle council tax. The Conservatives have pledged to cancel Labour’s planned revaluation of homes in England for the council tax.
21 March 2007
Council tax report recommends changes
People living in the most expensive properties in England should pay more council tax, a report has recommended.
Council tax report recommends changes
People living in the most expensive properties in England should pay more council tax, a report has recommended.
21 February 2005
Tories promise to reduce council tax for pensioners
Conservative leader Michael Howard has pledged to reduce council tax payments for pensioners, if the party win at the next General Election. Mr Howard said that, under a Conservative government, households where all adults are aged 65 and over would have their council tax bills halved, up to a maximum value of £500.
Tories promise to reduce council tax for pensioners
Conservative leader Michael Howard has pledged to reduce council tax payments for pensioners, if the party win at the next General Election. Mr Howard said that, under a Conservative government, households where all adults are aged 65 and over would have their council tax bills halved, up to a maximum value of £500.
18 September 2003
Charity groups demand reform of council tax charges
Help the Aged and The Royal British Legion have joined forces today to demand a reform of council tax and Council Tax Benefit. The two charities say that "annual inflation-busting" increases in council tax "unfairly discriminate" against older people, whose incomes tend to be fixed or linked to inflation.
Charity groups demand reform of council tax charges
Help the Aged and The Royal British Legion have joined forces today to demand a reform of council tax and Council Tax Benefit. The two charities say that "annual inflation-busting" increases in council tax "unfairly discriminate" against older people, whose incomes tend to be fixed or linked to inflation.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
