COUNTY DURHAM LIB DEMS CALL FOR COUNCIL TAX FREEZE

2.06.47pm GMT Fri 22nd Jan 2010

The Liberal Democrats in County Durham are calling for the County Council to freeze council tax for the next year.

Nigel Martin Lib Dem group leader at County Hall said "Freezing council tax is the right thing to do this year. Many people in Durham are suffering due to the recession and are having to tighten their belts, we think the council should do the same. They should not impose a rise in council tax when residents are already having to cope with difficult economic circumstances."

Cllr Mark Wilkes, Parliamentary candidate for Bishop Auckland said ".

"We argued last year that council tax increases would damage the economy and went against promises of savings after the imposition of the new Unitary Council. It is clear that we must do all we can to keep money in residents pockets. The council must become more efficient and council tax must be frozen."