Scrap Council Tax

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE ISITFAIR CAMPAIGN FOR THE REFORM OF COUNCIL TAX
For further press information, please contact: Christine Melsom on 01428-712680 or E-mail c@isitfair.co.uk

3 December 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[start of press release]

COUNCIL TAX CAMPAIGNERS ACCUSE BROWN OF BRIBERY

IsItFair campaigners have reacted with anger at the Chancellor's latest attempt to patch up the Council Tax system.

In his pre-Budget statement the Chancellor announced an extra £1 Billion from central funds in an attempt to head off another massive rise in Council Tax bills in the run up to the general election.

Christine Melsom, founder of the nationwide IsItFair Campaign, had this response on behalf of protesters across the U.K.

"Council Tax is a massive issue and is gathering momentum by the day. People of all age groups across England, Wales and Scotland want this regressive system scrapped but the Government refuses to listen. They think they can bribe the electorate by patching up the existing system, and by forcing ever-increasing numbers of people to be dependent on the benefits system. This is blatant pre-election bribery and it will not fool the voters."

Campaigners were unimpressed by the Government's statement that average Council Tax rises next year should now be "less than 5%", after taking into account the extra £1 Billion.

Christine summed up, "This is totally unacceptable. They are still talking about a rise of three times the rate of inflation and expect people to be jumping for joy. This will be the eighth successive year that we have been saddled with inflation-busting hikes in Council Tax. It's time for a bit more honesty from politicians and for them to acknowledge that this present system, based on property value, is grossly unfair and unworkable. The only way forward is to scrap Council Tax and replace it by a system that takes account of people's ability to pay and spreads the burden more fairly - nothing less will do!"

[end of press release]

For further press information, please contact: Christine Melsom on 01428-712680 or E-mail c@isitfair.co.uk

Issued by IsItFair Campaign, Headley, Hampshire GU35 8PJ

NOTES TO EDITOR

IsItFair is a nationwide, non party-political campaign for the abolition of the existing property-value based system of Council Tax, and for its replacement by a fairer system based on individual ability to pay.

The campaign represents people of all age groups (not only pensioners) who are unfairly affected by Council Tax.

You can find more information about the IsItFair campaign at www.isitfair.co.uk