Council Vote on Tax Rise for 2005

The foul weather was no discouragement to HCTC supporters, who filled the public gallery to witness this year's council tax vote on 24th February 2005. Two budgets were presented; Labour proposing a 0.72% increase and the Conservatives offering a 0.26% decrease. Given that taxes have increased by about a third in the last three years alone these apparently moderate budgets offered little hope to residents struggling to come up with the money.

The difference between the two budgets for D Band is £10.07, and the controlling Labour group's budget was adopted; pegging or reducing the bills slightly would have been a welcome gesture.

Your tax bill isn't just decided by Harrow Council, and the Mayor of London has no qualms about boosting your tax bill by 5.5% to pay for his ever-expanding empire so expect even higher bills next year. This means a 1.6% rise when taken overall.

The debate, of over two hours, probably cost more than £10.07.