Ken Doubles Your Money (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Ken Doubles Your Money

February 24, 2005 4:10 PM

Ken Livingstone's portion of Council Tax has doubled in 5 years.

His original proposals to raise his portion of council tax by 7.2% this year were defeated by a unprecedented unanimous vote by the opposition parties against the Labour administration on 14th February. The Mayor managed to pass his second budget with an increase of 5.5% with support of the Green Party. This rise will raise his portion of council tax to £254 (Band D household).

This is double the amount that was paid for these services when Ken Livingstone first became Mayor just five years ago.

The precept which goes to the Mayor and GLA is part of the Council Tax that Islington residents will pay, but Islington Council has no control over its level.

Councillor Terry Stacy, Executive Member for Performance, said

"The Lib Dem GLA members worked hard to oppose the 7.2% rise originally proposed. There was no justification for that rise. Ken's portion of Council Tax is now twice what it was. How much more can Londoners be expected to give?

"Backed by Islington's Labour GLA Member Ken has shown he has not changed, still high taxing and arrogant."

Over the last five years the Liberal Democrat members of the GLA have consistently opposed the Mayor's huge rises in the London Tax. Their plans would put an extra £57.6 million into police and public services but propose a rise of just 3.4% by cutting back on Ken Livingstone's extravagant publicity and waste.

The Lib Dem alternative budget proposed saving