Will there be a rush to hike Council Tax.

The Coalition is looks set to give power to the citizen to implement referenda over anything local. On the Number 10 website is says:

"Give residents the power to instigate local referendums on any local issue and the power to veto excessive council tax increases."


As these are likely to be passed into law shouldn't councils look to the spirit of the law rather than squeeze through excessive rises before this becomes law. Is this what the Coalition - the Conservative and Liberal Democrats - wants?

Nothing from HDC promising a referendum over the hikes in Council Tax. I can see the reasoning now. No referendum because this will cost money. True, but that is an argument for not having elections. My argument is simple. If HDC is so sure of its case then put it to a referendum. Yes it will cost money. HDC set aside £1.9 million for changes to services. They could use some of this money. Democracy costs. There is nothing wrong in that.