Calls for council tax cuts as reserves are revealed
News Article 8 April 2004
Opposition parties in Scotland have called for a cut in council taxes after it was revealed that local authorities failed to spend £800 million last year.
Ministers take axe to high hedges
Press Review 30 March 2004
The government has unveiled new laws giving local councils the power to intervene in and resolve disputes over high hedges between neighbours.
Cooper seeks public's view on high hedges
News Article 29 March 2004
Regeneration minister Yvette Cooper has launched a public consultation on new powers to resolve high hedges disputes.
Sedgefield sets highest council tax
Press Review 26 March 2004
Tony Blair's constituents are facing the highest council tax bills in England.
Ministers reveal council tax figures
News Article 25 March 2004
The government has unveiled council tax figures for the coming year - ahead of likely moves to cap the worst offending town halls.
Councils face government cap
Press Review 10 March 2004
The government is set to attack Conservative and Liberal Democrat councils for seeking inflation busting rises in local taxes.
Ministers set to cap council tax rises
Press Review 8 March 2004
The government is to ensure that council tax increases are kept to between three and four per cent next year.
Council funding review examines income tax option
Press Review 5 March 2004
The review of possible reforms to the council funding system has considered the possibility of introducing a local income tax system, the FT reports.
Experts back local income tax
Press Review 4 March 2004
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy has given its backing to Liberal Democrat plans for a local income income tax.
Council tax set to rise by six per cent
Press Review 2 March 2004
Council tax is set to increase by at least six per cent in England this year, according to figures compiled by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.
Council tax rises to top inflation
News Article 2 March 2004
Council tax rates in England are set to rise by six per cent over the next financial year, according to a new survey.
Pond promotes council tax assistance
News Article 1 March 2004
The Department for Work and Pensions has launched a new campaign aimed at encouraging pensioners to apply for council tax benefits.
Cooper calls for town hall makeovers
News Article 1 March 2004
Local government minister Yvette Cooper has backed calls for town halls to smarten themselves up to encourage public involvement in politics.
Councils warn ministers over spending curbs
Press Review 27 February 2004
Local government officials have warned the government that all councils, including those rated as excellent in Audit Commission league tables, have struggled to limit council tax increases.
Blair quizzed over council tax bills
News Article 25 February 2004
Michael Howard has challenged Tony Blair over Labour's pledge to stop any excessive increases in council tax.
