Merton Council Tax Freeze: For and Against

For a third year running Merton Council have decided to freeze council for a third year running.

Merton says it is sticking to its principles agreed at the beginning of its medium-term budget planning in July 2011 which say: "Looking after the vulnerable, keeping council tax low and keeping the streets clean."

In addition to freezing council tax, the council has implemented a new council tax support scheme for 2013/14.  

The scheme means the council will not be passing on the government reduction in council tax benefit to the thousands of Merton households who most need financial help.

However, Councillor Debbie Shears, Leader of Merton Conservative Group said: "If Labour truly cared about Merton's hard pressed residents they would have looked seriously at a Council Tax cut."

They're saying the budget was passed with the support of all Labour and Merton Park Independent (MPWIR) Councillors.

Merton Council's reserves are currently running at approximately £90 million.

What do you think of the freeze? Leave your comments below.