Southend political leaders today blamed the Government for massive council tax rises - just a day after Tony Blair said there was "no justification" for the increases.
The Prime Minister said last year's average 13 per cent rise in council tax bills had been difficult to justify at a time when central Government support for local authorities was increasing.
Mr Blair's warning comes days after Southend Council announced a possible 22 per cent increase in tax, meaning an extra £177 a year from average householders to avoid cutting back services.
Tory Southend Council leader, Howard Briggs said: "I do not believe it is right council tax should rise above the level of inflation, but the Government has caused the problem by its distribution of central funds.
"The Government formula works out averages and Southend did badly.
"I agree with him, cash for local authorities has increased, but it has all been sent to Labour authorities in the north of the country."
Published Friday January 16, 2004
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