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Council Tax (New Valuation Lists for England) Bill

The circumstances of the local income tax, as outlined in the Liberal Democrats’ proposals, were unworkable. The system is in need of reform. I am aware from correspondence and conversations with my constituents that a growing section of our population feels that a more equitable means of funding local government is needed—not just revaluation. That Opposition parties have been unable to capitalise on that sentiment for electoral gain demonstrates the sensitivity with which the electorate view this subject. People want real solutions based on considered inquiry. Those points show that we can do better. Now is not the time for tinkering around the edges of council funding. We stand at the beginning of a new Parliament—time enough to investigate thoroughly the many ways forward, to listen to the needs and aspirations of all concerned parties, and to present to the people a bold, more equitable future for local government. I have been contacted, as I know have a number of Members present, by the IsItFair campaign group. Its proposal to scrap local taxation and to replace it with higher centrally collected VAT and income tax would be a disastrous move in the wrong direction.