Column in the Barry & District News by Alun Cairns MP:
I have recently unearthed figures which show the Vale of Glamorgan Council have increased Council Tax by almost double the rate compared to the average in England over the last decade.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council have increased the Council Tax for Band D properties by 43% since 2010. Whereas the average figure stands at just 22% in England.
This means that residents who live in Band D properties now have to pay £466 a year more than in 2010/2011.
It is shocking to see the Vale are continuously increasing Council Tax without any regard for local residents. This week the Council will have voted on an additional 4.9% increase in Council Tax and I am calling on the local councillors to reject it.
The 4.9% suggested increase which will be voted on this week by the Council, despite inflation being only 1.8%.
As Secretary of State for Wales I negotiated a new settlement which sees Wales receive £120 for every £100 spent in England and so it is shocking to discover the figures between Wales and England differ so much.
At a time when a substantial amount of work is being done to attract investment, these increases simply undermine this work.
We are engaging with businesses who are interested in relocating to the Vale but the Council are painting a picture of taxing when they can- with not only increases in Council Tax but also in the introduction of new parking charges.
I am keen to work with the Council to get a better deal from the Welsh Government. For years, the politicians in Cardiff Bay have viewed the Vale of Glamorgan as a ‘cash cow’. We need to stand together and demand a better deal for the Vale.
