Tory Tax Discounts So Cynical (Southampton Liberal Democrats)

Southampton Liberal Democrats <info@southampton-libdems.org.uk>

Tory Tax Discounts So Cynical

March 6, 2009 9:00 AM
By David Callaghan, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate - Southampton Test in Southampton Daily Echo

Southampton Civic Centre The local Conservatives have decided to give people aged 65 and over a discount on their council tax bills, and without thinking too much you might say that sounds like a good idea. But if you examine it more closely you realise that it is a cynical political move.

It is well known that older people are more likely to vote than those from the younger generation, and the Tories know that this gimmick will attract them more votes.

Let me make it clear - we support help for older people. In fact we would restore the link between the state pension and earnings to ensure over 65s are given a fair rise in their pensions.

The '10% discount' pushed through by the ruling Conservative group on Southampton City Council will only prove to be around eight per cent anyway for single people and those on low incomes who can claim a discount already.

An elderly couple with a disabled adult child living with them will not qualify for the discount, which can hardly be fair. Yet a wealthy couple who are both aged over 65 will benefit. Anyone who works will also be disqualified.

This discount also, of course, fails to help anyone of working age or anyone made redundant. It does nothing for young families and single parents struggling to pay their bills. In fact those younger people have to pay more to subsidise the discount for older people.

Why not be even handed and give everyone a lower council tax bill? After all everyone is feeling the effect of the current economic crisis. The Liberal Democrats proposed a council tax rise below the Conservatives' increase. (Our policy is actually to scrap the council tax and replace it with a system based on ability to pay).

Council tax bills for everyone would rise by around 1.3 per cent if there was no special discount for over 65s and special constables.

The discount for over 65s is designed to win votes for the Tories. The people of Southampton will see through it.