York's council leader hits back at tax rise comments (From York Press)

Coun James Alexander hits back at tax rise comments

9:06am Thursday 9th February 2012 in News

YORK’S council leader has hit out at a Government minister who criticised proposals to increase the city’s council tax by 2.9 per cent next year.

Local Government Minister Bob Neill claimed City of York Council’s plans not to accept a Westminster grant to freeze bills in 2012/13 were “incredibly inconsiderate” and could not be justified.

The authority’s leader, Coun James Alexander, said taking the grant – which may not be available next year – would mean an extra £2.2 million of cuts over the next two years, or having to save an extra £300,000 in 2012/13 and impose a larger council tax increase in 2013/14. He also accused Mr Neill of double standards by not making similar comments to Conservative-controlled councils who have turned down the tax offer.

“The impact of this ‘buy now, pay later’ council tax funding option would, I believe, be inconsiderate,” said Coun Alexander.