OPPOSITION members of Malvern Hills District Council have accused the ruling Tory group of introducing "stealth taxes" despite keeping the council tax increase for next year down to zero.
Last week, the council voted to freeze the tax, meaning a Band D household level of £1.538.44 for council, police and fire services.
However, amendments by Green and Lib Dem members to reduce green waste collection fees and eliminate charges for minor planning applications were defeated.
Cllr Julian Roskams, leader of the Democratic group, which includes Green members, said: “It is apparent that a policy of stealth charging is quietly being rolled out by the Tory administration, with the annual budget increasingly being financed from various fees. These are flat-rate charges that every service recipient has to pay, irrespective of wealth or hardship, unlike the council tax which is fairer because liability is based on property values as a proxy for ability-to-pay."
Cllr Paul Cumming, portfolio holder for finance, said: “I can't really see where they're getting the idea of stealth tax from.
"These services are utilised voluntarily and in fact we subsidise the green waste collection because it's such a good service."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here