Backing from Ken Livingstone for Local Income Tax Welcome

Speaking on the Nick Ferrari LBC Breakfast show this morning, the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone gave his backing to Local Income Tax as a replacement for Council Tax. Shepway Liberal Democrats have been campaigning for the replacement of Council Tax with Local Income Tax (based on ability to pay), and welcomed the Mayors support.

Local Lib Dem Darren Briddock said:

"Many Shepway households have an annual Council Tax of over £1,000 - almost completely irrespective of their income. A Local Income Tax would protect some of the poorest groups - for example, under our Local Income Tax proposals, over 80% of pensioners would be better off.

"More people voted personally for Ken than have voted for any other elected person in the country. The Government should listen to London's Mayor, and Axe the Tax."

Lib Dem Local Government Spokesman, Sarah Teather, welcomed Ken's support for Local Income Tax.

"We're pleased to see that Ken accepts the arguments for Local Income Tax. It would be even better if the Labour Party and Government would listen to the Labour Mayor of London, instead of sticking with the unfair Council Tax."

Ken Livingstone, made the comments during a conversation with a London resident during the phone-in on the Ferrari breakfast show.