Minister slated for statement on council tax increases
Abergavenny Chronicle - 27 February 2003
MONMOUTH AM David Davies has accused Welsh Assembly Finance Minister Edwina Hart of making an ‘irresponsible statement’ about council tax
increases.
“Monmouthshire faces a 13.9 per cent increase. In itself that is absolutely disgraceful but even more disturbing is
the anger I have found while attending recent meetings,” said Mr Davies
“People are so angry they are talking about refusing to pay their council taxes. I have told many I do not condone such a move
because it would be punishing the council who are not to blame,” he said
“I am however frustrated by the actions of Edwin Hart who told the Assembly that the tax increases were down to the council.”
“This is an utterly irresponsible statement and it will lead to more and more people being tempted to break the law.
“Edwin Hart must accept that it is the Welsh Assembly which is in the wrong. It is largely responsible for funding councils and I
have constantly campaigned for a fairer funding formula that doesn’t reward failing councils in Labour’s
heartlands,” said Mr Davies
“Monmouthshire is a Labour run council and I have no reason to think they are wasting our money and whilst I may disagree with
many of their policies, I don’t know of any areas where money is being wasted.”
“The responsibility for this outrageous 13.9 per cent rise is the local government funding formula. It’s time it was
put right,” he said.
Related articles:
* MCC’s council tax bills set to rise by 14 per cent
