Government's Council Tax revaluation could send bills rocketing in York

Written by Madeleine Kirk et al and published in The press on Sat 3rd Mar 2007

Vince Cable visits York Outer

Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable MP will be speaking to Poppleton resident Audrey Cobley (89) about fears that possible government plans to press ahead with council tax revaluation would leave her facing increased bills.

Mr Cable will join York Outer Parliamentary Spokesperson, Madeleine Kirk, and local Lib Dem councillors as they visit homes in the Poppleton area on Friday 2nd March.

Cllr Quentin Macdonald (Ward Councillor for Rural West Ward) said "The government has delayed revaluation a couple of times, but it is still likely to happen. Council Tax is unfair and hits pensioners very hard. What we need is a fairer local tax based on income, not swingeing increases to the present unfair system."

Vince Cable MP (Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor) said "Following revaluation in Wales, 33% of properties moved up at least one band. If revaluation goes ahead in England, areas like York will be hit very hard because they have had above average house price rises. Between 1996 and 2004, house prices in England and Wales increased by 154% but in York they rose by 189%. If the government does revalue, we can expect higher tax bills in York. What we need is a fairer tax, based on income and ability to pay."