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Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation

It is a great pleasure to resume the debate on the Budget. Since 1997, year on year, families have waited for that dreaded envelope: the council tax bill. Every year under Labour, it grew, eventually doubling in size, but this year something is different. As the bill hits the doormat, families and pensioners throughout England will find that it has not gone through the roof. It will save families up to £72 on a band D home, because the coalition Government are on the side of ordinary working people. I commend those councils—every single one of them—that have taken up the Government's offer to give their residents a much-needed break, but I am very disappointed that the Opposition have opposed the measure. In the Commons, the shadow Local Government Minister, the hon. Member for Derby North (Chris Williamson), called the measure a ““gimmick””. His Lords counterpart last week also opposed it, alleging that the"““freeze builds up financial trouble for the future.””" Surely that cannot be the Labour party's position, because it is not what Labour councils are saying on the ground. I have a selection of quotations, and I will read out just three that will help. Sandwell's local authority states:"““The council is very aware of the difficult times local people face, and we don't want to add to their misery””." On the freeze, it states:"““It would be barmy not to do so.””" Manchester city council, a local authority that we have heard a lot of recently, states:"““We recognise it has been a very difficult year for some people, and as the UK comes out of recession it is critical we offer all the support we can to Manchester residents… it is great news…that this year we will freeze council tax””."