Council tax is still rising and, according to our council leader, will be below 5% for each of the next two years. In fact the rise for Croydon in 2008/9 is only 3.53% (including the GLA element). Some would say a good thing but pensions are only rising at a miserly 2% per annum and those on fixed incomes, or pensions and the vulnerable, are finding it more and more difficult to pay their council tax. What is worse, few of us are seeing any improvements in local services.

The nationwide "Is it Fair?" campaign is seeking for the reform of council tax and want the existing unfair system to be abolished. The average band D council tax bill has more than doubled since 1995 whereas the State pension has risen by 38% and average earnings have risen by 50%. The revaluation of properties that had started to take place has been put on hold for the time being. This revaluation undertaken in Wales resulted in many properties being pushed up by one, two or more council tax bands and this could happen in our area and increase significantly the problem of payment for those on fixed incomes. Council tax is a regressive tax and unfair on those with small incomes. It is also a tax which is higher than income tax for many people.

If you wish to know more about the "Is it Fair?" campaign visit their website:  www.isitfair.co.uk

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