Lib Dem Councillors oppose huge increase in Council Tax (Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats)

Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats <info@saffronwaldenlibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dem Councillors oppose huge increase in Council Tax

January 20, 2010 9:56 PM

Saffron Walden Town Hall Liberal Democrats on Saffron Walden Town Council voiced their concerns last night about the decision to increase the Council Tax by a whopping £80,000. Cllr Richard Freeman said 'We appreciate that the Council is in a difficult position, having been required by their colleagues on Uttlesford District Council to take on responsibility for the Town's open spaces including the Cemetery and Bridge End Gardens. The cost to the ratepayers of Saffron Walden can only increase in future years.'

And Cllr Mike Hibbs added 'We abstained on the vote, because we could see that the Conservative majority on the Town Council had very little choice. The decision by their colleagues on the District Council to pass the cost of maintaining the open spaces to the Town Council will save Uttlesford significant sums of money. We call on the District Council to pass on the saving to Saffron Walden residents, otherwise they will in effect be taxed twice for the same level of service.'

Cllr Patrick Boland added that Councillors who serve on both the Town and District Councils must have been aware of the consequences and should be held responsible.