Council Tax doubled since Labour came to power

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6232734.stm

Originally Posted by BBC News

The average council tax bill has almost doubled in the past decade, says a report by the Halifax building society.

The rise, from more £550 to almost £1,100, is three times higher than the rate of inflation and twice the increase in average earnings.

The tax is now 91% higher than when Tony Blair first took office.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England and Wales, has dismissed the report as a rehash of old information.

Corin Thomson, LGA's programme director, said councils needed the extra money to cope with "major environmental challenges" and the care needs of an ageing population.

"Council tax is being put under huge strain over recent years as authorities are having to deal with massive social and economic change," Ms Thomson said.

Average earnings have increased by 51% over the past 10 years and retail price inflation has risen by 31%.

The typical UK household now has to pay £1,078 in council tax annually, compared with £564 in the 1997/98 financial year.

[brundles]

While I'll admit to not being a labour fan, I'm always dubious about the way these figures are quoted.

Take the current postal strike for example. Royal Mail/Media are throwing the 27% rise around but when you do the maths on it, it's only a request for just over 5% a year for the same time period.

I still think council tax is a rip off though! What can't be escaped is that the average rises are a long way above inflation (however you present it) and the rises have been matched with service cuts.

Service cuts, would that be fortnightly wheely bin collections in some council districts?

Let's just look at the TAX we Brits pay ...

Income TAX on earnings...
Council TAX.
17.5 % VAT on about every thing we buy in the shops.
VAT on Utility bill's
Fuel Duty
Road TAX

Without a doubt, we must be one of the most highly TAXED nations in the world.

[Cobbydaler]

It's smoke & mirrors with all politicians...

Give with one hand & take away with the other.

Reduction in the basic rate of tax? Worthless...

Originally Posted by Mick

Service cuts, would that be fortnightly wheely bin collections in some council districts?

Let's just look at the TAX we Brits pay ...

Income TAX on earnings...
Council TAX.
17.5 % VAT on about every thing we buy in the shops.
VAT on Utility bill's
Fuel Duty
Road TAX

Without a doubt, we must be one of the most highly TAXED nations in the world.

Well lets face it how else would Labour fund their illegal wars.

[The Jackal]

Live a better life... sell the house... go homeless with a kid get a flat and live on the dole. Sell the flat a couple of years down the road.

People I know did that and are living a much more luxurious life than I am.

How long does it take to make £150K in cash legitimately ? Some of us never make it ... I made it the hard way and am no better than the guy who did the above.

[sollp]

Originally Posted by Bill C

Well lets face it how else would Labour fund their illegal wars.

Lol, Like everyone new of the legalities when the 2003 war started. This has been often said by people who have jumped on the band wagon of calling it, "Illegal". You either agree with it or you don't.

Anyway i say down with the Labour Party and all who sail in it. He's now off in Europe selling my **** to Europe, i didn't vote for his rubbish party i didn't vote for hime to sell our sole to Europe and i bet the vast majority of people who were stupid enough to vote him in twice, didn't vote for him or others to relinquish our powers sovereignty or anything else to those bunch of crooks in Europe.

Anyone for an illegal war in Britain to bring this government down!
P.S Maybe tomorrow I've got some beer to drink first.

[Osem]

But New Labour had 'no plans to raise taxes' did they ?

Gordon Brown effectively forced local authorities to raise council tax rates so they get the hassle and the blame.

[Cobbydaler]

Originally Posted by Osem

But New Labour had 'no plans to raise taxes' did they ?

Gordon Brown effectively forced local authorities to raise council tax rates so they get the hassle and the blame.

Exactly... New Labour reduced central funding & then blamed local councils for increased taxation...

Originally Posted by sollp

Lol, Like everyone new of the legalities when the 2003 war started. This has been often said by people who have jumped on the band wagon of calling it, "Illegal". You either agree with it or you don't.

I dont agree with gulf war 2 full stop.

I like the idea there are legal wars If Iraq wasnt such a mess it would not be considered illegal.

Anyway, Depending on how you sum up all the taxs we are taxed less than European countrys. I.E France. But then they spend more on public services

[sollp]

Originally Posted by Bill C

I dont agree with gulf war 2 full stop.

ok

[brundles]

Originally Posted by Mick

Service cuts, would that be fortnightly wheely bin collections in some council districts?

Let's just look at the TAX we Brits pay ...

Income TAX on earnings...
Council TAX.
17.5 % VAT on about every thing we buy in the shops.
VAT on Utility bill's
Fuel Duty
Road TAX

Without a doubt, we must be one of the most highly TAXED nations in the world.

I'm not going to dispute the tax rises - I agree with everything you're saying. The service cuts though go beyond the much publicised fortnightly bin collections (which haven't yet been applied here) and vary from region to region. Over the past few years our local council has cut back on what we can recycle from home (no longer taking plastics of any sort) and there has been a reduction in visible policing in the area (remember they now get a portion of the council tax).

But all is not lost - I can now get all my my literature from them in what must be about 20 different languages just in case I can't - or won't - read English.

[Russ]

I'm sure it won't be long before Tax tax is introduced.

Anyway, scrap Council Tax, the most despicable tax ever. Scrap it and replace it with a system linked to your ability to pay.

[The Jackal]

I'm all for internet tax myself :/