Jack Rankin, who is standing to become Windsor's next MP, is calling for council tax to be kept as low as possible to ease the pressure on families.
The Liberal Democrat run Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is proposing a 4.99 per cent council tax rise in its draft budget, which is out for consultation, and huge hikes in the cost of on-street parking.
In an interview with the Slough Observer newspaper, Jack commented: "The economic situation for local authorities is challenging, we have seen this nationally, but it is important that we continue to prioritise household finances, particularly for the poorest residents. Keeping council tax as low as possible is a moral imperative, given its drastically regressive nature. That said, it is likely necessary that council tax rises as proposed this year."
Proposed on-street parking rises would hit a three-car family with either a 189% or 257% increase.
"This is massive and feels like a Council Tax rise by stealth, driven by anti-car dogma, and again is deeply regressive – hitting those without off-street parking," says Jack. "We must ensure the Royal Borough remembers that Windsor, Eton, Ascot and the villages exist, and not just as a cash cow, but with the Borough now so clearly dominated by Maidenhead Liberal Democrats this is going to be an increasing challenge."
