SSDC Introduce Stealth Tax Licensing Fees

LibDem Council Incompetence Paid For By Business & Traders

Licence Fee increases following the SSDC meeting on Friday 18 February 2005 were today criticised by Ian Jenkins, Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Yeovil Constituency, as grossly excessive and wholly disproportionate to any cost increases likely to be incurred by the Council.

Ian Jenkins said,
"The fee increases are being introduced by SSDC to cover up their incompetence and wasteful spending. Some fees for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Operators licences are increasing by 600% while the Council is preventing fare increases in an attempt to limit public awareness, thereby forcing business to fund the increase or to cease trading. The Council admits to using this system to increase its revenue. In other words, they are introducing another stealth tax."

Ian Jenkins added,
"The Council has even introduced an administration charge of £25 for requests for information. Just as the new Freedom of Information Act is introduced the Council is clearly hoping the charge will deter tax paying residents from making legitimate enquiries into its business."

"This demonstrates clearly that LibDem policies end in higher taxes and less service both locally and nationally. South Somerset residents deserve better."