Rubbish strike - Conservatives call for Council tax rebate 22/08/06

Local Conservatives have welcomed the news that Haringey’s 14-day refuse collection strike has been brought to an end.   But Conservatives are now calling for the Council to make a rebate to local taxpayers.  The Conservatives’ call follows confirmation in an email from Haringey’s Council Leader that Haringey Accord’s contract provides for financial penalties which apply in the event of strike action.

In answer to questions from local Conservatives, the Labour Leader of Haringey Council, Cllr George Meehan, has confirmed in an email that ‘the Council’s Service Level Agreement with Haringey Accord does provide for financial penalties, and they do apply to strike action.’   But Cllr Meehan went on to say ‘There will be no refunds of Council Tax Payments.’

Cllr Meehan’s remarks came in response to questions from Haringey Conservative, Toby Boutle.  

Toby Boutle commented:

‘Local residents have paid for services which they have, for two weeks, simply not received.  It is typical of this Labour Council not even to consider giving local people a refund of the Council tax.  After all, this money will simply represent a windfall for Haringey Council.

‘We do not yet know the size of the penalty payment which Haringey Accord will have to pay.  It may be so small that any rebate would be insignificant alongside our massive Council Tax bills.  But even a very small repayment would be a real sign of the Council’s accountability to exasperated local taxpayers.’

ENDs.