News from Camden Labour

Camden Labour calls on Council to pass on VAT cut to service users

Camden Labour today demanded that Lib Dem/Conservative run Camden Council pass on the Government’s 2.5% VAT cut to service users for ‘paid-for’ services like parking, swimming, building control and licensing.

Camden’s fees and charges raised from residents currently bring in £85 million a year, £30 million of which are raised from parking charges and fines. Labour is asking the Council to identify VAT-rated services and pass on the full cut either by reducing fees or giving users a one-off sum at the end of the year.

A poll of 34 finance officers by Local Government Chronicle revealed that a third of finance officers and chief executives are expecting to leave their prices unchanged, while another third will only pass on part of the cut. However, some councils, have passed on the full cut for a range of services.

Opposition Labour spokesperson on finance, Theo Blackwell, said:

“If local shops are passing on the 2.5% cut, then so should the council. They shouldn’t be hoarding cash at this time, they should be giving it back to people who pay parking charges, use our swimming pools or other services. People are worried about the cost of living, and the council should recognise this.”