THURROCK Tory proposals to introduce a “tenant top-up tax” have been slammed by Labour.
Under the plans, residents in council properties with access to lifts or communal areas would be forced to pay huge service charges, with an additional tax on top of their rent which may be as much as £400 per year.
Labour’s Cllr Jane Pothecary, a member of the Housing Committee, raised concerns that the policy will have a massive impact on working families on a low income. She said, “When you’re struggling to manage money wise, this kind of increase can make the difference between managing and not managing.
“We are seeing stagnating wages, insecurity in the job market and inflation at a two year high. Family incomes are being squeezed and this is going to disproportionately punish council tenants.”
She added, “I’m really worried that once introduced, these fees will now begin to spiral – for both council tenants and leaseholders – with no guarantees the service will improve.”
Further plans in the report submitted to the committee included a hike in sheltered housing fees, which would double the weekly payment made by all sheltered housing tenants.
Cllr Pothecary commented, “These are our most vulnerable residents and the council wants to double the amount they pay a week. When you’re a pensioner, £780 a year is a lot of money to find.”
She concluded, “The Tory top-up taxes being proposed are really going to hurt residents in Thurrock. I am calling for the administration to think again and look at alternatives before going ahead with these damaging plans.”
First the Tories introduce the Bedroom Tax now they Hike a Sheltered housing tax and to top it off the Tories and New Labour gave 700Bn to the rich bankers.
I WILL BOYCOTT THESE TAXES ON THE POOR TO GIVE TO THE RICH BANKERS.
I will be going to the police to get the form to hold a protest outside JDP’s office and the council offices.