Council tax: West Midlands poor pay more

9.55.13am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 21st Nov 2003

West Midlands Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne has renewed her call for the scrapping of council tax after new statistics revealed that the poorest 20% in the West Midlands paid more than 3 times on council tax as a proportion of their income compared to the richest 20%.

Liz said:

"These statistics show that the burden of council tax hits the poorest in society hardest. Successive rises above inflation have meant that many people, including elderly people and some of the most vulnerable in society, are beginning to really struggle to pay this dreadful tax.

"The government must finally realise that this tax is not only hated, but unfair. It's time to scrap the Council Tax and replace it with a system of fair local taxation."

Notes:

Net council tax as % of gross income in the West Midlands Region

• Bottom fifth 4.8%

• 2nd fifth 3.4%

• 3rd fifth 2.7%

• 4th fifth 2.3%

• Top fifth 1.5%

All households in region 2.3%

(Source: Office for National Statistics, based on the analysis 'The effects of taxes and benefits on household income'.)

Related Links:

Parliamentary Question by Ed Davey MP on Council Tax.

Office of National Statistics: taxes and benefits.