Thurrock Labour call for bills “Triple Freeze”
COUNCILLOR Oliver Gerrish, Labour Chair of Thurrock’s Corporate Scrutiny Committee, has called for a Triple Freeze on Council Tax, council rents and council services charges for the next 12 months.
Councillor Gerrish said, “These smash-and-grab increases are beyond belief at a time when household incomes are being squeezed more than ever. It stretches belief even further when you factor in the extra funding Thurrock Council have had from the government this year. Apparently increasing our taxes and other charges would mean a surplus for the year of £4 million; so why on earth would you not share that windfall with your own electors?
“Thurrock Tories have already raised Council Tax by 10% since they came to power in 2016. This latest tax grab would hike that total to nearly 15%.”
Councillor Gerrish called on councillors to reject the Budget unless the ruling Conservatives sign up to the Triple Freeze. He had this challenge for Thurrock Independents who have defected to the Tories: “Don’t abandon your residents to Tory tax increases. Help Thurrock Labour to defeat these proposals!”
