ONE of York’s political chiefs has claimed his party is standing alone in fighting for a four-year council tax freeze for York residents.

Ian Gillies, who leads City of York Council’s Conservative group, said they were the only faction to make a manifesto commitment to keeping bills static beyond 2011/12, ahead of tomorrow’s local elections.

“We have pledged we will do everything in our power to keep the council tax freeze in place for the full four years of the council,” said Mr Gillies, who is standing for re-election in the Rural West York ward.

“The Liberal Democrats have said they will freeze this year’s council tax at current levels, which means nothing. It is already set for this year, but what about the following years?

“Labour have said they will cut council waste to keep council tax low, but have made no attempt to even hint at supporting a freeze in their manifesto pledges.

“We are realistic and know we can’t predict the future. Events could conspire to require council tax to rise. But under a Conservative-led council, this would be a last resort, and we intend to work closely with the Government to find ways of delivering services to the people of York without increasing taxes. We’re quietly confident this can be achieved.”