Councillor Wera Hobhouse welcomes 'low' council tax increase

Heywood and Middleton Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Councillor Wera Hobhouse has welcomed next year's proposed council tax increase as one of the lowest in the country, she said: "3.8% is the lowest for eleven years and shows the benefits of a Liberal Democrat controlled Council.

"Along with £3.3 million efficiency savings identified, Heywood and Middleton residents can rest assured that the Liberal Democrats bring good value for money.

"Nationally the Liberal Democrats are committed to scrapping this unfair system and replacing with a local income tax.

"We are continuing our policy of low council tax. For the second year running, we are proposing a council tax increase which is the lowest for over a decade.

"The 3.8% increase is good news for council tax payers and people who use council services because it has been achieved by providing greater value for money and significant extra investment in frontline services."

"Frontline services to benefit will include an extra £1 million in 2008/09 for the home care service for older and vulnerable people and an extra £870,000 for services for people with learning disabilities.

"These are the benefits of a Liberal Democrat controlled Council, delivering for local residents"