Figures just released to Michael Fabricant by the County show that as from
2003, Gordon Brown’s recent budget will cost the County of Staffordshire an
extra £2,870,000 which is equivalent to a 1.6% increase in Council Taxes
just to maintain existing services. Districts and Parishes will also be
affected. (Lichfield District Council has already estimated that it will
cost them an extra £78,000 which is equivalent to a 2.5% hike in Council Tax
within the District).

"So Gordon Brown’s budget will not only mean an increase in National
Insurance, but an increase in Council Tax too. Sadly, without any reform
to the NHS, I remain sceptical that anyone will notice any improvement to
the service in our area. And that was the Chancellor’s whole justification
for the tax rise", says Michael Fabricant.