On 29th January the cabinet at Durham County decided to raise Council Tax by 2.94% overall.

I spoke out against this and the Labour leader of the council accused my challenge to this of being “fantasy” and “headline grabbing”. Perhaps he should consider the fact that last year when Labour forced the new Unitary Council upon us they said there would be no increases in council tax – strange how it can go from being Labour policy to fantasy in such a short period of time.

On 27th February I would urge all residents to attend the full council meeting at 10am to listen to our alternative budget proposals which will be based on an overall average 0% rise in council tax. This will be fully funded and explained to the Council although we do not expect Labour will listen to us or the people of County Durham – why change a habit of a lifetime.

Published 10th Feb.