Audit Commission Report on Council Tax - PMQ

Speech by Norman Lamb delivered to The Prime Minister Tony Blair on Wed 10th Dec 2003

Norman Lamb: "Does the Prime Minister agree with the conclusion of the audit commission that the council tax is 'fundamentally flawed', and that the increases we have witnessed this year have a 'major impact on citizens, particularly those on low or fixed incomes' - many of whom of course are pensioners?"

Tony Blair: "I do agree that as the AC said in the main part of its report there are fundamental flaws in the council tax system, which was introduced after the poll tax - I think. However, we have additional sums into government this year and it is important that councils understand that they have a measure of responsibility."