THREE MONTHS' PENSION TO PAY COUNCIL TAX (Paul Harrod)

THREE MONTHS' PENSION TO PAY COUNCIL TAX

October 15, 2009 8:55 AM

Pensioners in Bristol are having to use up to three months' pension to cover their Council Tax bill, according to Paul Harrod, Prospective Lib Dem MP for Bristol North West.

At the same time income from savings is at an all-time low due to very low interest rates .

"Pensioners in Bristol are being hit by a double-whammy" said Paul Harrod.

"Not only do Council Tax bills continue to rise, above the rate of pension increases, but people who were reliant on interest from their life's savings are getting less."

"The Council needs to ensure that pensioners in Bristol are getting the help they are entitled to. We know that not everyone who can claim Council Tax benefit gets it. So Bristol City Council must do all it can to help people claim what they are entitled to.

"This highlights how unfair Council Tax is. It was introduced by the Conservatives and the average bill has more than doubled since Labour came to power.

"The Liberal Democrats would abolish it and replace it with a tax that reflects people's ability to pay - and that would mean a far fairer deal for pensioners in particular."