Council Make Tax Pledge

Hammersmith & Fulham aim for second reduction in bills

Hammersmith and Fulham Council has pledged to try and cut council tax bills for residents again this year.

This news came after LGA chairman Sir Simon Milton warned that, nationally, above-inflation increases are likely because of low Whitehall grant settlements .

Announcing the council's intention to try and cut council tax for the second year running, Hammersmith and Fulham Council Leader Stephen Greenhalgh said that, with high interest rates and the cost of living rising in London, too many families are being crippled by high levels of council tax.

Last year Hammersmith and Fulham Council cut council tax by three per cent.

"This year we are going to do our best to cut tax for a second year running," he said. "That is what hard working families in our borough expect and deserve. Household budgets are being squeezed like never before. With high interest rates, high fuel bills and rising food costs, it is time that local authorities responded and that is what we intend to do."

Last year's council tax band D reduction in Hammersmith and Fulham equated to £27.52p. London council tax has risen by 86 per cent since 1997.

November 16, 2007