LIB DEM COUNCILS IN INNER LONDON FREEZE COUNCIL TAX WHILE LIVINGSTONE'S TAX SOARS

4.55.17pm GMT Fri 24th Feb 2006

Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor and MP for Twickenham, Dr Vince Cable, today congratulated Lib Dem-run Southwark, Islington and Lambeth councils for delivering 0% Council Tax rises for 2006/07.

During a visit to City Hall to contrast the financial record of the 3 councils with that of London Mayor Ken Livingstone, who has increased his Council Tax precept by 5.5% this year (135% since 2000), Dr Cable said:

"The Liberal Democrats have turned all three of these failing Labour councils around. From being amongst the worst councils under Labour, the Lib Dems, through sound financial management, have turned Islington, Lambeth and Southwark into shining examples of how boroughs should be run."

Southwark Council Leader, Councillor Nick Stanton added:

"In Southwark we have turned around a failing council with no financial management. We have massively reduced the council's debt and made sure £2.6m worth of extra benefits are reaching the people who need them most.

"Our freeze on council tax will help ease the financial burden on our residents, whilst providing high quality services."

Councillor Steve Hitchens, Leader of Islington Council, said:

"Under Labour Islington had the highest Council Tax in London and some of the worst services. Under the Liberal Democrats it has one of the lowest rates of Council Tax in London, and some ground-breaking, innovative new services.

"We are funding more police officers, recycling more rubbish than Labour could have dreamed of, and giving power back to local people.

"The fastest improving council according to the Audit Commission is Lib Dem Islington."

Councillor, Peter Truesdale, Leader of Lambeth Council, added:

"The people of Lambeth know they can't trust Labour with their money. Local people want the significant improvements and value for money that the Lib Dem administration is delivering."

ENDS