HC Deb 29 January 2004 vol 417 cc506-7W
Mr. Djanogly

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what percentage increase in council tax he considers to be profligate; and how he defines low single figure percentage increases. [150135]

Mr. Raynsford

With the significant extra investment we have put into local government and the scope for efficiency improvements, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's view is that local authorities can and should deliver council tax increases in low single figures in 2004–05. It would not be appropriate for the Government to specify a figure at this time. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not want to use its powers to cap local authority budgets but is prepared to use them, if necessary, to protect council taxpayers from excessive council tax rises.