MP claims people in Fenland face onslaught of hikes in local taxes under Labour

FENLAND and East Cambridgeshire face an onslaught of hikes in local taxes under Labour plans, MP Malcolm Moss warned today.

"A new Labour Party manifesto for a 'fourth term' has outlined proposals to introduce higher council tax bands, above-inflation rises in businesses on local firms, bin taxes and anti-car taxes in towns and cities," he said.

Mr Moss, the MP for NE Cambridgeshire, said the Government had changed the law to allow higher council tax banding, a move, he claims, also supported by Liberal Democrats.

"The average council tax bill in England has increased by 105 per cent since Labour came to power," said Mr Moss.

"Residents in Fenland and East Cambridgeshire have been much harder hit than the rest of the country with council tax bills having risen by nearly 150 per cent since 1997.

"Band D bills are now as much as �1,495 in Fenland whilst the national average is only �1,414."

"Labour's manifesto exposes Gordon Brown's plans for massive hikes in local taxes if Labour can cling onto power. This is a tax bombshell primed to explode after the general election.

"I fear that new council tax bands will be used to punish families and pensioners who have saved and invested in their homes. Council tax bills in our area have already increased by a massive 150% since Labour came to power.

"I oppose these tax-raising plans for local residents who are paying more and getting less under this Labour Government. Many people are already struggling to pay their high council tax bills, particularly during the recession.

"I am also concerned about the other taxes Labour is planning to introduce. An increase in business rates will do nothing to help small businesses, and I fear that this may result in more local businesses having to close up shop.