Elmbridge 'among hardest hit' by Lib Dem tax proposals, Tory says (From Surrey Comet)

Elmbridge 'among hardest hit' by Lib Dem tax proposals, Tory says

7:10am Wednesday 2nd December 2009

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A Conservative parliamentary candidate has claimed Elmbridge residents would be third hardest hit by taxation proposals unveiled by the Liberal Democrats this week.

Lib Dems are campaigning to replace council tax with a local income tax, and introduce a 1 per cent mansion tax on the excess value of any property worth more than £2m.

Tory candiate for Esher and Walton Dominic Raab said: “Elmbridge would be one of the hardest hit areas across the country.

"The local income tax plan would cost the average working family living in Elmbridge more than £2,500 extra each year. This would not result in increased investment in local services – just more hard-earned taxpayers’ money being siphoned out of Elmbridge.

“At the same time, thousands would face intrusive inspections by state snoopers, checking whether they qualify for a punitive new tax on homes.“ Lib Dem Councillor Barry Fairbank was unable to comment on Mr Raab’s statistics, but said: “I agree with the principle behind it that people should pay local tax on ability to pay.”

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