LIBERAL DEMOCRAT DISTRICT COUNCILS DELIVER COUNCIL TAX FREEZE

4.39.00pm GMT Wed 17th Mar 2010

Tax payers in St Albans City and District are set to have their council tax frozen for a second year in a row. Local people have welcomed the decision by the Lib-Dem run district council.

Leader of St Albans Council, Robert Donald made assurances the quality of the services would be maintained and that projects such as as the Westminster Lodge leisure centre will be unaffected.

"During this harsh economic climate, the Lib Dems are doing everything we can to help people" Councillor Donald said.

"We have achieved two years of council tax freezes for local tax payers. In the same period, the Conservative-run County Council has put tax up by a inflation busting 3.5%"

Neighbouring Lib Dem-run Three Rivers Council has also frozen council tax this year.

In addition, Lib Dems in St Albans have voted to freeze Councillors allowances for the second year running. They rejected the recommendation, given by the independent panel advising on this issue.

Although St Albans is the largest district in Herts, local councillors are paid less than in Labour-run Stevenage, or Conservative-run Hertsmere.

Parliamentary Spokesperson Sandy Walkington said "This is hard evidence of Liberal Democrat competence and financial efficiency."