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28/01/2013
Pickles Accused Councils Of 'Stealth Tax'
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has accused some English councils of “dodging democracy” by not holding referendums on council tax rises.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph he said that those not freezing council tax should "man up" and consult the public.
His comments follow a call from ministers for a third year of council tax freezes, adding that any council in England wanting to raise taxes by 2% or more must hold a public vote.
Mr Pickles went on in the Daily Telegraph to accuse some local authorities of "cheating their taxpayers", warning: "Anybody using loop holes will lose out next year."
He also described council tax as a "stealth tax".
In response the Local Government Association said councils were under strain due to cuts.
(H)
Writing in the Daily Telegraph he said that those not freezing council tax should "man up" and consult the public.
His comments follow a call from ministers for a third year of council tax freezes, adding that any council in England wanting to raise taxes by 2% or more must hold a public vote.
Mr Pickles went on in the Daily Telegraph to accuse some local authorities of "cheating their taxpayers", warning: "Anybody using loop holes will lose out next year."
He also described council tax as a "stealth tax".
In response the Local Government Association said councils were under strain due to cuts.
(H)
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