Tories and Lib Dems – including the former leader of Newcastle City Council – have forced through plans for a new Poll Tax, where everyone will have to pay council tax regardless of their income.
The move will see thousands of people across Newcastle have to pay at an average of £300 a year more. Many of those affected will also be hit by a new ‘bedroom tax’ at the same time. Households will face the new tax demands next April.
Nick Forbes, Labour Leader of Newcastle City Council, said:
“We are doing what we can to support people, and are prioritising extra help for people with severe disabilities and those with war pensions. We are also increasing council tax on empty properties to the maximum allowed.
However the government is forcing millions to pay more tax, at the same time as giving tax breaks to millionaires.
This move will cause real hardship for many struggling families, who are already facing rising food and fuel bills. The Lib Dems could have stopped this happening, and it’s shameful that they’ve sided with their millionaire Tory friends in Government rather than hardworking people in Newcastle.”