Lib Dem Cabinet reject council tax rebate for pensioners

Labour Councillor, Colin Lambert

A proposal to give pensioners a 2% rebate on their council tax rise was thrown out unanimously last night by the Liberal Democrat Cabinet on Rochdale Council.

The proposal, put forward by both Heywood and Middleton Township Committees was rejected by the 10 member Liberal Democrat Cabinet, and the reason given by Councillor William Hobhouse, the Cabinet Member for Finance, was that there are some rich pensioners who would also benefit from the rebate and it was unfair.

Councillor Hobhouse said it was wrong that all pensioners would qualify for the rebate. Labour Councillor, Colin Lambert, pointed out in moving the original proposal, this was not to be a means tested rebate, but a payback to pensioners to protect them from above inflation tax rises when their incomes are fixed and they have no opportunity to increase their income.

Councillor Lambert asked, "if Councillor Hobhouse applies his philosophy to all such concessions - is he saying that he opposes free bus travel for all pensioners on the grounds that some are better off and should not get it? Is he rejecting free eye tests for all pensioners and prescription charges? Is he rejecting the winter fuel allowance of £200, all because it is paid to every pensioner?

"His reasoning is a disgrace.

Councillor Peter Williams said: "This is a real kick in the teeth for our pensioners who have paid their taxes all their lives and we had the opportunity to give a little back, but this has been denied by the block vote of Rochdale Liberal Dremocrats. When will they listen and show they care?"

Colin Lambert added: "In rejecting this proposal, the Liberals are continuing their hard line on pensioners. They are ending home care for our pensioners in most need, they continue to spend needlessly on extra staff for posts like people's champion, and they have failed this year to collect over £3.5 million in unpaid council tax. Why should our pensioners pay for the Liberal Democrat mistakes and inefficiency?

"Give our pensioners the respect they deserve."

Responding to the criticism, William Hobhouse said: "Were Rochdale Borough to give a 2% discount to all pensioners, it would cost about £350,000. It is easy for the Labour and Conservative opposition to call for this discount, but they forget that everyone else has to pay for it. This Lib Dem Council is committed to lowest Council Tax increases for all residents, not just a few at the expense of the others.

"If you read the report written by Council Officers, it also makes clear that the Council has no records of the age of each Council Tax payer. The Labour proposal is gimmicky and ill thought out. They hope that it will get them a few extra votes at the next elections."