An outrageous tax-grab on Londoners by Mayor

12.00.00am GMT Wed 12th Feb 2003

Mayor Ken Livingstone's demand for an inflation-busting 97p per week increase to the average council tax bill has been passed, despite strong opposition from the London Assembly Liberal Democrats.

Graham Tope, Liberal Democrat Group Leader, said after today's London Assembly meeting to discuss the Mayor's 2003/4 budget plans:

'This is an outrageous tax-grab by the Mayor on Londoners. For the third year running, he has demanded an inflation-busting increase from council tax payers.

'Since he took office, his demand on the precept has doubled, but there are no clear signs that he has delivered value for this extra money. Londoners must receive the public services they have been promised and what they pay for. The extra police officers must begin to have an effect on overall crime and to make London a safer place. There must be continued improvement in London's public transport services. The Mayor will be held to account: we will expect to see results.'

Lord Tope also criticised the Labour Group for their complacency and compliancy over the Mayor's council tax demand: 'Nicky Gavron admitted in today's debate that this is a 'Labour budget'! This so-called opposition party are feathering their own nests: they know they won't win the next election with Ms Gavron as their candidate, so they are instead trying to stay in Ken Livingstone's favour by supporting his ever-increasing spending demands.'