When is a Council tax freeze not a freeze?

3.23.00pm GMT Wed 3rd Mar 2010

Lib Dems proposed a Council Tax level £51 less than Labour at Band D

Commenting on Labour's plans to raise overall Council Tax levels by £11 whilst calling it a freeze, Manchester Lib Dem Leader Simon Ashley called for "less spin" from Labour bosses.

Cllr Ashley said: "This Labour spin machine must stop. If Council tax is going up then it is not being frozen."

At the bottom of the Press Release, you see the small print which says:

"Note: Although the Council's element of the council tax bill is frozen, residents will notice a small increase due to an increase in the police and fire precepts. This is not set by Manchester City Council."

Cllr Ashley added,

"Even this is misleading. Council Leader Richard Leese agreed to support increases in the Transport, Waste, Fire and Police budgets through his role in AGMA. Labour should be honest rather than resort to spin and half truths."

The Lib Dem proposed a budget freezing the whole Council tax, and giving a one off £40 rebate. This meant their plans were £51 less than Labour's at Band D.

Ends.....