Harlow Conservatives praised by the Leader of the House of Commons over decision to freeze council tax

 

The Leader of the House of Commons, Sir George Young, has said the decision taken by Harlow Conservatives to freeze council tax for a third successive year is to be applauded.
Sir George was speaking in the House of Commons responding to a question that I put to the House.


Good management of the council has saved an ordinary household in our town more than £70 a year.
I highlighted the fact that Harlow Conservatives had frozen the Harlow Council share of council tax bills not just for one year, or two years but for the last three years, and protected discretionary services.

I asked "does this not show that Conservative councils cost taxpayers less?”

Sir George replied: "The short answer is ‘yes'.

"It is the case that under the last Labour Government council tax doubled across England. This Government has worked with councils to freeze the council tax for two years – but I applaud what has happened in Harlow, where they have anticipated this policy by freezing the council tax a for a third year, and those who have an opportunity to vote next month should cast their votes accordingly."

Harlow residents are better off with a Conservative council - with lower bills, and also protection for our valued services, like Pets' Corner.
The full exchange in the House of Commons was:

Robert Halfon (Harlow): "Can we have a statement on which Councils are providing value for money for taxpayers? Harlow Conservative Council has frozen council tax not just for one year, or two years, but for the last three years - and protected discretionary services. Does this not show that Conservative Councils cost taxpayers less?"

Sir George Young (Leader of the House): "The short answer is, Yes! It is the case that under the last Labour Government, council tax doubled across England. This Government has worked with Councils to freeze the council tax for two years – but I applaud what has happened in Harlow, where they have anticipated this policy by freezing the council tax for a third year, and those who have an opportunity to vote next month should cast their votes accordingly."

Video link to the House of Commons debate is HERE.