LIB DEM SOUTHWARK CUTS COUNCIL DEBT TO FREEZE COUNCIL TAX FOR RESIDENTS

4.47.40pm GMT Fri 24th Feb 2006

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

During a visit to Southwark's Revenue and Benefits Department, Dr Cable was shown how the Lib Dem administration has slashed Council Tax and rent arrears over the last 4 years, and encouraged the take up of an extra £2.6 million in government benefits by local residents.

Dr Cable contrasted the strong financial record of Southwark under the Lib Dems with that of Labour London Mayor Ken Livingstone. This year, Southwark's portion of the Council Tax will be frozen, with no cuts to front line services and with new funds for protecting vulnerable children, improving street cleaning and tackling abandoned cars, and £115,000 for new library books.

In contrast Ken Livingstone has raised the Mayor's Council Tax precept by a further 5.5 % this year, bringing the total increase since he became Mayor in 2002 to 135%.

Commenting, Dr Cable said:

"The Liberal Democrats have turned Southwark around during the last 4 years. After 40 years of Labour neglect Southwark was in a mess, but through sound financial management and tough political choices, the Lib Dems have turned Southwark into a shining example of how a borough should be run."

Southwark Council Leader, Councillor Nick Stanton added:

"It has taken strong financial management and innovative thinking to reduce our debt and make sure people are getting the benefits they need.

"This year we have pledged new funds for cleaner streets, protecting our children and massively improving our library stock without asking residents for more money.

"By freezing council tax we are easing the burden on our residents, especially in a year that will see Ken Livingstone increase their taxes by inflation-busting rates."

ENDS