Lib Dems: Government should pay your council tax for the next three months

Knottingley councillor Tom Gordon said 'rapid action' was needed from the government.

Tom Gordon says some local residents will be under "unbearable financial pressure" over the coming weeks, if the government does not step in.

Nationally, the Lib Dems have called for the Treasury to pay all council tax for people living in Band A - E properties for the next three months. The overwhelming majority of people in the Wakefield district live in that bracket.

Those in higher bands would have half their bills covered, under the party's proposals.

Under the Lib Dems' proposals, most people in Wakefield would have all of their bills covered.

A 3.99 per cent rise in council tax for Wakefield households is due to kick in tomorrow (April 1), having been agreed earlier this year.

Coun Gordon, who represents Knottingley, said: "Many residents have already told me that they struggle to pay ever increasing council tax bills and across our towns people in Bands A to E are being asked to pay an average of £1,581 in council tax this year.

"As the coronavirus crisis escalates, thousands face the prospect of simply not being able to pay, and may fall into arrears if steps are not taken to suspend payments.

"Rapid action is needed, or many more families will be under unbearable financial pressuring in the coming weeks.

"Councils have been hit hard by government funding cuts over the last five years. Every penny is now vital to ensure Wakefield Council can continue to operate."

The Lib Dems say the money should be paid directly from the government to local authorities themselves.

Local Democracy Reporting Service

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