Council Tax Increases — 22 Mar 1999

I beg to move,

That this House notes that the prime determinant of council tax levels is the amount of funding allocated by central government to local authorities; further notes that as a consequence of inadequate financial settlements for local government in recent years there has been a substantial real-terms year-on-year increase in council tax; and calls on the Government to improve the funding of local services and abolish budget capping within the lifetime of this Parliament.

I beg to move, To leave out from "House" to the end of the Question, and to add instead thereof:

"notes that the 1999-2000 local government settlement was the most generous since the introduction of the council tax; further notes the Government's commitment of an extra £40 billion for schools and hospitals; and welcomes the introduction of Best Value, the abolition of crude and universal capping, the reform of political management structures and the new ethical framework, set out in the local government White Paper."

Question put, That the original words stand part of the Question:--

The House divided: Ayes 40, Noes 309.

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