Mayor increases his share of Council Tax by 143%

4.05.33pm GMT Wed 14th Feb 2007

At the meeting held today to consider the Mayor of London's budget for 2007-2008, London Assembly Liberal Democrats tabled an amendment that would have meant a below inflation rise in the Mayor's share of the Council Tax, rather than the 5.3% increase Mayor Livingstone was proposing.

The Liberal Democrat amendment proposed mayoral spending concentrated on creating a sustainable, safer and affordable city. The Liberal Democrats stressed that their budget proposals would not mean any cuts in front line services, no reduction in free or concessionary travel schemes or cancellation of events important to Londoners.

Mike Tuffrey Lib Dem Leader at the London Assembly highlighted 3 key policies that his group would like to see the Mayor adopt.

Mike Tuffrey said:

"Since the Mayor came to office in 2000 his share of the average Londoner's Council Tax bill has risen from £123 to £304. We want him to listen seriously to our plans, including a reduction in bus fares before 7.30am, introducing a network of bus services throughout London on Christmas Day and working with the boroughs with the poorest records to increase recycling rates.

"The Mayor can do this, protect the police and fire budget and continue his environmental measures but should cut out a lot of waste and self-promotion. If he so chooses Londoners need only have a rise in the GLA' share of Council Tax bills half of what Livingstone is proposing. When will he finally listen?

ENDS

A full copy of the Liberal Democrat Amendment to the Mayor of London's budget for 2007/08 can be found at: http://www.glalibdems.org.uk/resources/index/The%20Mayor%20and%20London%20Assembly