School Funding Plan Will Not Stop Rising Council Tax

29.10.03

Commenting on Charles Clarke's statement on schools funding and its effect on local authorities, Edward Davey MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow to ODPM, said:

"By giving extra cash to local authorities the Government tries to draw attention away from the ever increasing council tax.

"Government figures assume a 7.3% hike in average council tax bills, and nothing in the education statement today alters that prospect. Struggling council tax payers still face inflation-busting rises despite Charles Clarke promises to make extra money available for local authorities.

"To suggest that Clarke's schools package does not imply council tax rises is just bare-faced spin."