A fairer local tax is needed, says Lib Dem Council Group leader

9.50.36am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 5th Jun 2004

Councillor David Mills, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council comments,

"Tunbridge Wells Conservatives have surely forfeited the right to rule. A succession of independent reports has branded them as incompetent - inefficient, unresponsive to the wishes of the electorate and providing poor value for our council tax."

He told the local KM Extra newspaper: "Council tax is the most unpopular tax since the poll tax. The Liberal Democrats are the only mainstream party committed to replacing it with a fair system, based on ability to pay."

Councillor Mills, who represents Pembury, also outlined other key Liberal Democrat priorities for Tunbridge Wells, on affordable housing and waste recycling. "Although we will resist Government pressure for excessive housing, we recognise that more affordable homes, and more smaller homes, are required. We will encourage this if we gain control. We will also increase recycling of waste."