The Somerset Conservatives have welcomed the Government’s decision to block Somerset Council’s request to raise council tax by more than 4.99 percent, preventing a proposed increase of over £200 for many households.
The decision follows sustained pressure from the Conservative opposition on Somerset Council, their local campaign backed by more than 3,600 residents, and the public support of Ashley Fox MP, the only Somerset Member of Parliament to openly support the campaign.
Councillor Diogo Rodrigues, Leader of the Somerset Council Conservatives, said the outcome would come as a relief to hard working families, pensioners and residents already facing rising household costs.
3,600 Sign Council Tax Letter
“Over 3,600 Somerset residents signed our letter, firing a clear warning shot at the Liberal Democrat administration, get your own house in order and stop wasting money before asking people to pay more,” he said. “Those voices were backed by Ashley Fox MP, who stood with residents and was the only MP to publicly support this campaign. Together, that pressure has made a difference.”
Last year residents were told that a 7.5 percent council tax rise was exceptional. This year, Somerset Liberal Democrats were warning households that council tax could rise by more than £200, around an 11 percent increase, for a second year running above the referendum limit.
“When you combine that with the pressure placed on City, Town and Parish councils to take on services Somerset Council no longer provides, the impact on households is obvious,” Councillor Rodrigues said. “For many families, this was looking unaffordable.”
Wasting Council Taxpayers Money
The Conservative opposition has repeatedly raised concerns about wasteful spending under the Liberal Democrat administration, including £33million spent on agency staff, assets sold at multi-million pound losses, and £20 million splashed on consultants to identify savings that should already have been planned and delivered. Independent auditors have also warned about weaknesses in financial management and an over-reliance on one-off emergency Government support.
The Somerset Conservatives say the decision leaves the Liberal Democrat administration with no excuses.
“This outcome gives Somerset households some breathing space,” Councillor Rodrigues said. “The responsibility now lies squarely with the Liberal Democrats to work at pace, deliver the savings and efficiencies needed, and put the council on a secure financial footing, without repeatedly turning to residents to cover up their financial incompetence.”
