Merton Labour accused of misleading residents on council tax 'freeze'
The UK statistics authority has criticised London councils, over council council tax ‘freeze’ claims, citing the “potential to mislead those whose council tax bills are affected.”
Merton’s Labour Council has claimed to be freezing Council Tax for residents. Despite this headline on their taxpayer funded leaflets, in reality Council Tax bills in Merton will rise by 2.5%, as a result of a 2% increase - plus the Mayor of London's 4.1% hike.
This follows years of maximum Council Tax increases by Labour, as well as the 700 Council fees and charges - like residents' parking permits - that are being put up this coming year, many by way above inflation, adding further pressure during a cost-of-living crisis.
In a further blow to Labour's credibility in Merton, the borough is facing a £24 million funding gap by 2029/30 following the Labour Government’s ‘Fair Funding Review. This equates to a reduction of approximately £280 per household, placing further strain on the Council’s long-term finances.
There are also plans to shift some costs for the care of very unwell children onto the NHS and other health bodies. Liberal Democrats warn that if these costs are not fully covered elsewhere, vital local services could be put at risk.
Merton Liberal Democrats are calling for greater transparency from the Labour administration and a more honest conversation with residents about the true state of the borough’s finances.
As the biggest opposition party on Merton Council, the Liberal Democrats are pushing to take control of the Council at Local Elections on 7th May.
Anthony Fairclough, leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition in Merton, said:
“Merton's Labour Council bosses need to cut the spin for once and start being honest with people.
While the taxpayer-funded leaflets claim they're 'freezing Council Tax,' the reality is a 2% increase - plus the Mayor of London's 4.1% hike - 2.5% on bills overall.
Calling this a freeze is disingenuous; it bets that residents won't read the small print.
This follows years of maximum Council Tax increases by Labour, as well as the 700 Council fees and charges - like residents' parking permits - that are being put up this coming year, many by way above inflation. Being told your bill is 'frozen' while it actually rises is an insult.
On top of this, Labour should pay for their own propaganda leaflets rather than sticking the taxpayer with the bill for printing and delivering them.”
Further reading
https://www.thetimes.com/uk/london/article/labour-wandsworth-council-london-tax-vcxf9xlgt
https://www.mertonlibdems.org.uk/news/article/what-merton-labour-isnt-telling-you