Lib Dems vow to fight capping plans

Local Lib Democrats have pledged to fight Government plans to cap Shepway Council's Council Tax rise. Capping would mean that local services would have to be slashed to the tune of £600,000.

Local services that could be threatened include CCTV, One Stop Shops, recycling and leisure facilities. Lib Dems believe that any such cuts would be unacceptable to local people.

Lib Dem leader Linda Cufley said, "Service cuts would hit thousands of local people. Yet the average Council Tax bill would only be reduced by 30p a week. I believe that most people in Shepway would rather pay the 30p and keep vital local services open."

If capped, the Council would also be forced to re-bill every household. This would cost an incredible £100,000.

Lib Dem Councillor Paul Marsh said, "This would be local taxpayer's money being poured down the drain. We are going to fight the Labour Government all the way to protect our services."

The Council has announced that it will appeal the Government's decision to cap. To help persuade the Minister to think again, the Council is planning to conduct an opinion poll of local voters on the issue and send the results to the Government.

Additionally, the local Lib Dems are launching a major campaign to encourage local people to join the fight to protect local services.

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