Common Sense on Council Tax: Scottish Conservatives pledge veto on future above inflation rise

Scottish Conservatives will give local people the right to veto any future above-inflation rise in their Council Tax bills.

Speaking in Cunninghame North, where she was joined by local candidate Maurice Golden, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said:

"We are proud that Scottish Conservative votes in the last Parliament helped deliver a four year Council Tax freeze. This was real help for families across Scotland, especially as under Labour and the Liberal Democrats, Council Tax had increased by 62%.

"Despite Labour and Lib Dem efforts, we have ensured that Council Tax has remained frozen since 2007 and we want to freeze the Council Tax until at least 2013.

"We also want extra help for our elderly, for those who have contributed to society over the years, and will introduce a £200 Council Tax cut for every pensioner household.

"But we can do more.

"One day, the Council Tax freeze has to end. It cannot continue indefinitely.

"When that time comes, we want to give local residents the power to stop bills rising faster than inflation. We will legislate to ensure that any local authority wishing to raise Council Tax above inflation must get the approval of residents in a referendum.

"A local veto for people on local tax.

"It is common sense to give hard-working people help with their household bills and that is exactly what we will do."

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