‘Many neighbouring boroughs are looking to cut or freeze their share of core council tax’

• AS we all know too well, the cost of living has risen by leaps and bounds since early 2021 and now Camden is working out its budget for 2022 – 2023.

Like previous years, sadly, we can only assume they will raise council tax by the full 3 per cent permitted.

A South Hampstead pensioner expressed her concern to me a few days ago that on a fixed income, rising inflation and tightly-controlled spending, she will find it very difficult to make ends meet in 2022.

One can easily imagine that there are many more persons, young and old, in the same circumstance. Add increasing council tax from April and that will push many over the edge.

With council tax increasing by the maximum permitted over the last eight years, do they really need to gouge us in a difficult 2022?

It is time to scrap wasteful expenditures including the projects of blocking off roads, closing side streets and much more. They are expensive and hamper the emergency services in their attempt to save lives.

On average Westminster City Council charges £1,000 less than Camden. Additionally many of neighbouring boroughs are looking to cut or freeze their share of core council tax.

If Labour Camden really cared for us, the residents, shouldn’t it do the same for us as our thoughtful neighbours are doing for their residents?

DON WILLIAMS
Conservative Candidate for South Hampstead ward