News from Westminster Labour

Westminster Labour demands VAT refund for residents

Westminster’s Labour councillors have demanded that Conservative Westminster City Council and their contractors pass on the Government’s 2.5% VAT cut to service users for charges made for services like parking, swimming, tennis, football pitches, building control and licensing.

Westminster’s fees and charges are already amongst the highest in the country, over £100 million of which is raised from parking charges and fines. Labour is asking the Council and its contractors 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.

Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Leader of the Labour Group, said:

“If the big West End shops are passing on the 2.5% cut, then so should the City Council. The Conservatives shouldn’t be holding on to the VAT cash, they should be giving it back to local residents who pay parking charges, use swimming pools or other Council services. People are worried about the cost of living, and the Council should use the Government’s cut in VAT by giving residents their money back and reducing charges.”

Other news from Westminster Labour

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• Westminster Labour calls for an 'outbreak of democracy' over election of new council Leader - 2 February 2012