LIB DEMS CALL FOR COUNCIL TAX FREEZE

12.00.00am GMT Thu 21st Jan 2010

The Liberal Democrats in County Durham are calling for the County Council to freeze council tax for the next year.

Nigel Martin Lib Dem group leader at County Hall said "Freezing council tax is the right thing to do this

year. Many people in Durham are suffering due to the recession and are having to tighten their belts, we think the council should do the same. They should not impose a rise in council tax when residents are already having to cope with difficult economic circumstances."

Cllr Carol Woods said "The main reason the Labour government gave for imposing a unitary authority on Durham was that it would save money and lower council tax for residents.

"Last year Labour put up council tax, while the Lib Dems argued that they should not and we are making the same case again. At a time when unemployment in Durham has doubled and council services are being cut, it would be completely unacceptable for the Council to put council tax up again."