Tory/Lib Dem coalition imposes ‘Death Tax’

Tory/Lib Dem coalition imposes ‘Death Tax’

Preston Council services were left reeling after the Tories and Lib Dems forced through massive cuts on public services in Preston. The Labour Party presented their own budget proposals, designed to focus on Preston’s long term economic future and stop the major cuts that are being imposed. Some of the most serious proposals by the Tory and the Lid-Dem coalition are to raise charges for burial fees; Labour Councillors say the increase in fees will have the biggest impact on the elderly. Newly elected councillor Peter Rankin campaigned strongly on this issue during the Tulketh by-election, highlighting to residents the huge increases to what has been dubbed the ‘Death Tax’. Other cuts will see reductions in park lighting and safety standards in play areas. In addition, the Tories are proposing cuts on the leisure centres, including closing the crèche facilities; Labour Councillors say that these cuts amount to an attack on hard working families and the poorest and unemployed. Labour are also eager to help protect local jobs with Royal Mail, pledging to reverse the decision made to switch postal service from Royal Mail to TNT. Labour Councillors have accused the Tories and Liberal Democrats of hypocrisy after their opposition to post office closures. To help balance the budget, the Labour Party is proposing that staff and members are charged for parking on the bus station and market car parks, ending years of free parking passes for employees and councillors alike. Labour’s budget spokesperson Bhikhu Patel said “We are fighting for ordinary people and hard working families. I would have expected the Liberal Democrats to have supported community groups, but the budget is taking money from voluntary organisations. If our proposals are passed we will see improvements and better quality of life for all citizens of Preston”

CITY OF PRESTON LABOUR PARTY