Green Party councillors will oppose any Labour proposals to impose inflation busting hikes on council taxpayers to make up for a shortfall in council finances.
Martin Hey, leader of the Green group on Calderdale Council, said that above inflation council tax increases over the next three years would be unfair as they would hit those on low incomes hardest, when they are already struggling to cope with cutbacks to vital services and the cost of living crisis.
‘Council tax is regressive. Those on lower incomes pay proportionately more — much more — than higher earners. That’s unfair and Green councillors will strongly oppose Labour plans to balance the books by putting council tax up in Calderdale by the maximum allowed annually in coming years.
‘People on low incomes have already been hit by years of austerity which has seen drastic cuts to vital local services used most by vulnerable groups in our community. At the same time more households’ finances are buckling under the pressure of the ongoing cost of living crisis leaving many having to choose between heating and eating, as the weather gets colder.
‘Calderdale Council needs to stand up for local people and send a message to the Labour Government that seems intent on imposing another round of austerity that enough is enough. Tax those with the broadest shoulders more and provide additional support to cash strapped local authorities. Stop putting the burden on ordinary people to fix the country’s finances.’