LGA statement on council tax freeze

LGA media release 22 January 2012

Sir Merrick Cockell, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said: "Times are tough, and that is why many councils are keen to help families with a council tax freeze, as they did last year. Indeed, the vast majority of councils appear to be freezing council tax for next year.

"Town halls up and down the country want to keep council tax down. The extra Government support for the next financial year will help us do that, but it is really important that everyone understands this is a one-off grant. Next year it won't be there.

"This means that councils, already facing bigger cuts than any other part of the public sector and delivering vital services to the most vulnerable members of our society, will have to budget for that shortfall. This can only be done on a council-by-council basis.

"It is only right that councils take a longer-term view on budget planning and that decisions on the level of council tax are made by councillors who will then rightly be held to account through the ballot box, which Government recognises.

"Local authorities provide vital services that people rely on and in order to carry on doing this effectively councils need to consider the long-term interests of their residents before deciding if they will take the Government's offer up."

ends

Author: LGA Media Office
Contact: LGA Media Team, Telephone: 020 7664 3333

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24 January 2012