Tories describe council tax hike as raid on residents’ pockets
Conservative councillors in South Lanarkshire will oppose a three per cent council tax rise.
The Tory Group reckon the maximum level of tax hike is unjustified as it would hurt people who already struggle to get by – while bringing in little extra for public services.
Arguing that there are better ways to protect key services, the Tories have developed an alternative budget for the local authority.
It includes more money for roads and schools and the Tories believe this could be delivered through a combination of efficiency savings and a modest rise to council tax.
Tory Group leader Alex Allison said:“People throughout South Lanarkshire already struggle to make ends meet so the council should avoid raiding residents’pockets for every possible penny.
“Ordinary working people in our communities were hit hard by council tax increases imposed by the nationalist government from Edinburgh last year.
“They are about to be hit again by the SNP’s misguided Scottish income tax rises.
“There is nothing progressive about the Scottish Government’s approach, which has squeezed people living in two-bedroom flats and will continue to hurt nurses, teachers, trades people, police officers and many others.”
Cllr Allison added:“Conservative councillors are determined to protect local services while delivering better value for the taxpayers’money.
“There is no need to hit every household in South Lanarkshire with the highest tax rise the council has the power to impose.”