Libs Dems Plan Huge Rises on Income Tax for St Edmundsbury and Mid Suffolk's residents

David Ruffley MP today warned that Liberal Democrats were planning a new local income tax for St Edmundsbury and Mid Suffolk, which would hurt hard-working families and the elderly. The proposals were outlined during the national launch of the Liberal Democrats’ local elections campaign.

David Ruffley said,“We already know that taxes on income have been hiked up by Labour through higher National Insurance, supported by the LibDems. Now, the Liberal Democrats are planning a new local income tax for local residents, on top of their plans for higher national income tax.

“These plans are bad news for the hard-working residents of mid Suffolk and St Edmundsbury. The average council tax across St Edmundsbury is £984 and Mid Suffolk it is currently £1026. Replacing it with a local income tax would be equivalent to a tax rate of between 5 and 6% extra on pay packets and savings income, on top of higher national taxes.

“Liberal Democrats talk about simplifying the tax system, but a local income tax would be a nightmare to administer. Ordinary families and pensioners on fixed incomes will be hit the hardest. There is no evidence that high-taxing councils deliver better services – Conservative councils have lower council taxes but higher satisfaction ratings among local residents.”