Spelman climbs down over poll tax return
News Article 25 May 2004
Shadow local government secretary Caroline Spelman has been forced to clarify comments suggesting her party could back the return of the poll tax.
'Elements' of the poll tax considered
Press Review 25 May 2004
A Conservative government could reintroduce elements of the much-hated poll tax in a bid to reduce the tax burden on pensioners.
Forum of Private Business
Government Affairs Website
Focus on local government
News Article 19 May 2004
ePolitix.com examines the key issues facing local government.
Raynsford caps councils
Press Review 30 April 2004
The local government minister has vetoed the tax levels of six district councils, five fire authorities and three police forces.
Prescott to announce capping decision
Press Review 29 April 2004
The deputy prime minister is today set to announce which local authorities he will cap.
Councils learn capping fate
News Article 29 April 2004
The local government minister has announced which local councils he will cap.
Treasury hints at local tax change
Press Review 28 April 2004
Councils could conceivably more than double their take to 10 per cent of the total amount of tax raised, a committee of MPs was told yesterday.
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.
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.
