Better service promised if Tory council taxes rise

Mar 7 2008 by David Williamson, Western Mail

WELSH Conservatives yesterday defended their record on council tax as the party launched an advertising campaign ahead of May’s local authority elections.

The Tories claim households in Band D properties are now paying £509 more in council tax then when Labour came to power in 1997 – a rise of 103%.

But Monmouthshire – the only Conservative-controlled council in Wales – this week agreed the second-highest tax rise in Wales (4.95%).

Tory Assembly leader Nick Bourne refused to rule out further rises in Conservative-controlled councils.

He said, “It isn’t just about lower council taxes. We’re not promising that council taxes will come down. We’re not even promising they will stay constant – I don’t think that would be realistic. What we are saying is where they increase we will make sure that increase is matched by an increase in the quality of services and we’ll try to keep that increase to very realistic levels.

He added, “The message is under Conservative councils you can expect lower council tax bills than under Labour and certainly better delivery.”

The party aims to win control of the Vale of Glamorgan and is targeting Cardiff, Conwy and Newport.