AM WELCOMES PENSIONER 30% COUNCIL TAX DISCOUNT PLAN

NATIONAL Assembly Member for Monmouth, Nick Ramsay, has today welcomed proposals that would see every pensioner household in Wales receive a 30 per cent reduction in their council tax bills.

The plan, which was unveiled at the Welsh Conservative Party’s annual conference, would offset the impact of rising bills for older people on fixed incomes.

The announcement comes after confirmation that the overall average Band D increase in Wales this year is 3.9 per cent.

Speaking today Nick said: "Councils such as Monmouthshire are working hard to protect our public services, whilst attempting council tax increases as low as possible. However, under-funding by the Welsh Assembly Government and huge increases in service demands make this a difficult balancing act.

"Pensioners are amongst those hardest hit, often struggling on fixed incomes or falling interest on savings.

"Under a Welsh Conservative Assembly Government, every pensioner household in Wales would qualify for a 30% reduction in their council tax bills, not just this year, but every year, which, I am sure, would be extremely welcome news."