Tories misrepresent their own policy on Council Tax
March 27, 2005 6:05 PM
David Rendel - West Berkshire's MP
Local Conservatives have been misleading local people about their Council Tax policies, it has emerged.
Contrary to their claims in a local press release (23 March 2005), the Conservatives support revaluation.
Their Shadow Secretary of State (Caroline Spelman MP) says: "The answer to the question about revaluation is that, of course, a property-based tax must take account of changes in the value of the property" (House of Commons, 2 March 2005). The Conservative Front Bench spokesperson (Eric Pickles MP) says: "Any
council tax system inevitably requires some form of revaluation" (House of Commons, 2 February 2005)
The same local press release from the Tory Candidate is also in direct contradiction of a speech made by his leader, Michael Howard, last month. Mr Howard said: "I will give every home where the adults are sixty five and over a 50% Council Tax discount up to a maximum of £500." (Speech, 21 February 2005)
But the local Tory candidate says that the policy is "a £500 discount on council tax" (West Berkshire Conservative Press Release, 23 March 2005).
Commenting, David Rendel MP said:
"I support the complete abolition of the Council Tax - full stop.
"The Conservatives want to keep the Council Tax and they support revaluation - but they can't even get their own policy straight."
ENDS
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