"Scrap it, don't cap it", Stunell tells Parliament

9.26.11am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 30th Mar 2006

This week, local MP Andrew Stunell demanded that the Government scrap the unfair Council Tax. In a heated debate about this year's Council Tax rises, the Hazel Grove MP told Parliament:

"The Liberal Democrats believe that Council Tax should be scrapped, not simply fudged and tinkered with."

Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell confronted the Minister on Gordon Brown's failure to give a rebate to pensioners in last week's budget. Mr Stunell said:

"What does he have to say to pensioners across the country who, if they were paying the average council tax last year with the £200 rebate and are now paying the new average council tax without the £200 rebate, face a 25 per cent. increase in their payment of council tax in the coming year?

"Does he not understand that without that rebate, pensioners, the poorest council tax payers, will be hit hardest by his and the Chancellor of the Exchequer's combined decisions?"

Speaking after the debate, Mr Stunell added:

"Gordon Brown has abandoned pensioners this year, refusing to repeat his pre-election bribe of a £200 rebate." ENDS

Notes to Editors: The full debate can be read at: http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm060327/debtext/60327-15.htm#60327-15_spnew1