Conservatives vote for higher taxes

11.31.03am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 8th Apr 2008

Liberal Democrat councillors proposed a council budget which would have increased the district council's share of the tax bill by just 0.6%, but were overruled by the Conservative majority which pushed through a 2.5% increase instead.

Council reserves have risen by £3 million in the last five years - taking money from residents' pockets to put in the council's bank account.

Reserves are now double what is needed to provide for unexpected events.

The Liberal Democrats demonstrated that it is possible to deliver a lower council tax rise without affecting services or the financial strength of the council.

Local taxpayers are entitled to ask why the Conservatives think increasing the amount of cash in the council's bank account is more important than keeping down council tax.

Buckhurst Hill Lib Dems reduce tax

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat run Buckhurst Hill Parish council have reduced their share of the council tax. This year's council tax will be reduced by 3.31%.

Lib Dem Group leader on Epping Forest Council, Councillor Jon Whitehouse said "The Conservatives were responsible for introducing the unfair council tax. Now they are responsible for another inflation busting rise."