Gauge leads local 'Axe the Tax' campaign to scrap Council Tax

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 19th Jan 2004

Lib Dems lead local Axe the Tax campaign

The Liberal Democrats have announced a dramatic plan to scrap Council Tax and replace it with a Local Income Tax.

Croydon Liberal Democrats led by London Assembly Spokesman for Croydon & Sutton, Steven Gauge, are joining the campaign launched by Liberal Democrat party leader Charles Kennedy MP last week.

"Croydon had the third highest percentage council tax rise in the country last year and we are set for another massive rise this year," said Steven Gauge, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Spokesman for Croydon & Sutton.

"Local residents are crying out for a clear alternative to the Council Tax."

A new Local Income Tax, set at an average of 3.75p would be levied to replace Council Tax. Based on people's real ability to pay, the move would mean tax cuts for millions of pensioners and ordinary families.

"Pensioners and families on fixed incomes suffer hugely with the Council Tax. A Local Income Tax would mean that 70% of households would be better off or unaffected," said Steven Gauge.

Coulsdon East Liberal Democrat Cllr Ian Atkins is giving his full support to the campaign.

"A Local Income Tax is the fairest alternative to the Council Tax. Everyone fed up with the Council Tax should sign the petition form at www.axethetax.org.uk."

Petition forms are also being distributed across Croydon by the Liberal Democrats.

Note to Editors:

The Local Income Tax plans include:

1. A tax free personal allowance of at least £5,000 on implementation

2. No rise in the overall tax burden

3. A cap on income subject to local income tax at £100,000

4. Using the Inland Revenue to assess and collect local income tax

5. Estimated savings of over £300 million a year on bureaucracy