Keir Starmer’s government is under fire for breaking a key promise by raising council tax by a staggering £2.9 billion this year, a move that has been labeled a “day of shame” for the Prime Minister.
This decision marks a sharp reversal from Starmer’s 2023 pledge to freeze council tax if Labour came to power.
Critics argue that this is just one example in a growing list of broken promises, including the scrapping of Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners, the introduction of a jobs tax, and new taxes on farmers. These actions have left many feeling betrayed, particularly low-income families who are hit hardest by the council tax hike.
The rise in council tax comes at a time when local councils are already struggling under the weight of rising costs and Labour’s policy decisions.
The government’s reckless borrowing has reached record highs, while the National Insurance jobs tax has placed additional strain on local authorities, which are among the country’s largest employers. Without urgent action in the upcoming emergency budget, the situation is expected to worsen, leaving councils and residents to bear the brunt of these financial pressures.
The article draws a stark contrast between Conservative and Labour-run councils, arguing that Conservative councils consistently deliver better services at lower costs.
It highlights Birmingham City Council, Europe’s largest local authority, as a prime example of Labour’s mismanagement.
The council is on the brink of bankruptcy, with rat-infested rubbish piling up in the streets and residents facing record-high tax increases. Despite this, Labour councillors awarded themselves a pay rise, further fueling public outrage.
The piece also points out that of the ten areas hardest hit by council tax rises, eight are Labour-run, and two are Lib Dem.
This, the author argues, is indicative of Labour’s approach to local government: when they run out of money, they take more from residents. This pattern, seen in previous Labour administrations, has left many questioning the party’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and its ability to govern effectively.
The article concludes with a call to action, urging voters to reject Labour in the upcoming local elections on May 1. It warns that a vote for Labour will result in higher taxes, poorer services, and continued mismanagement.
Instead, it advocates for supporting Conservative councils, which are portrayed as more efficient, committed to protecting services, and focused on keeping taxes low.
The message is clear: voters deserve councils that fight for them, protect essential services, and keep taxes down. The author encourages residents to make their voices heard at the ballot box, emphasizing that change is possible if they vote Conservative. The piece ends with a rallying cry: “Don’t just hope for a council that fights for residents—vote for one. Vote Conservative.”
