Lib Dems Keep Council Tax Low

5.47.11pm GMT Fri 23rd Feb 2007

For the 7th year in a row Islington Lib Dems are keeping council tax below the London Average, with only a 1.5% council tax rise planned this year.

The Lib Dem 1.5% rise is in sharp contrast to the inflation busting 5.3% rise that Ken Livingstone announced for all Londoners last week. Ten years ago when Labour Councillor Paul Convery was in charge of Islington's finances, Islington residents' Council Tax was the highest in London.

Islington's Council Tax is set to be £200 cheaper than in Labour run Haringey's, and £80 cheaper than both Hackney and Camden, for those living in band D homes.

Council Leader James Kempton said:

"We keeping our election pledge keeping Islington's Council Tax below the London Average for the 7th year in a row. Islington is a special place to live and many council services from street sweeping to leisure services keep it that way.

"Our residents deserve value for money, and by making savings we have kept our rise below inflation again. If only the Labour Mayor could manage the same thing."

Lib Dems have consistently worked to keep Islington's Council Tax one of the cheapest in London. This year the council will make £8million in backroom efficiency savings - helping to keep the Council tax rise below inflation while protecting front line services.