The average rise for 2003/2004 was 12.9 per cent and was a direct result of central Government action. It is set to continue. Government is using the council tax system as a stealth tax. Grants have been redistributed away from many areas. At the same time, Government has dictated that spending in these same areas is significantly increased. On average, the cost of council tax has increased by up to 70% since 1997. The forecasts for next year's rises are already being reported at 10%. Central Government blames the local county councils for all the extortionate rises. Do not believe this. Check with your own county council and you will discover the truth.
Our aims are to make people aware of the need for action and to have the existing property-value-based council tax replaced by a system that takes account of the ability to pay. People power will achieve this.
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