Welsh Conservatives today condemned Labour’s decade of Council Tax rises as figures released today reveal that average band D Council Tax has risen by 135% since Labour took over responsibility for Council Tax levels in 1997.
This figure includes a doubling of Council Tax levels across Wales under Labour-led Assembly Governments since May 1999.
Some of the poorest communities in Wales have seen the biggest rises since 1997 including Blaenau Gwent, where average band D properties are up by £934, Merthyr Tydfil up by £774 and Neath Port Talbot up by £765.
Council Tax levels in England for average band D properties have risen by 109% since 1997, compared to 135% in Wales.
Jonathan Morgan AM, Shadow Minister for Local Government, said, “Labour’s Council Tax bombshell has placed a heavy burden on the shoulders of families, pensioners and young people for over 12 years.
“Too often Labour has burdened local authorities with additional responsibilities but failed to give them sufficient funding to pay them, driving up Council Tax bills.
“Council Tax in some parts of Wales has trebled, causing considerable pressure on household budgets.
“Council Tax hikes have hit the poorest hardest with many of the biggest increases in bills in our poorest communities. In Blaenau Gwent average Council tax bills have risen by almost £1,000.
“These figures come the day after the UK Coalition took a series of measures to help Welsh families, motorists and pensioners and now they learn they are to be stung by Labour’s Council Tax bombshell.
“Over the past decade Labour has mismanaged our economy, overtaxed and overspent. Welsh Conservatives will be a new voice for people across Wales who have suffered under Labour’s taxes.”
