Mayors Election Pledge on Council Tax Questioned

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 10th Nov 2002

Following Wednesday nights Full Council meeting Lib Dems are calling for the Mayor to explain why he is already failing key election pledges.

In answer to a question from a member of the public Mr Branston explained that he planned to find savings of £600,000. Background financial papers reveal that this is based upon a council tax rise of 4.5%. However prior to the election Mr Branston pledged he would keep council tax rises at the rate of inflation. Figures for inflation in September were set at 2.1%.

Following the meeting, Lib Dem Group leader Michael Headley commented:

"It seems it only took eight days into his term of office for the Mayor to start breaking key election pledges. The Mayor claims in the candidates election book that he would not increase council tax above the rate of inflation. Now he is elected he plans a 4.5% increase. This is incredible. When questioned by a member of the public he just fudged the issue. It's clear that either he is reneging on his election promise or he simply doesn't know what he is doing. Lets hope this isn't a sign of things to come!"

No explanation has as yet been provided by the Mayor.