The agreement struck by the partners in the new coalition government makes a bold commitment to promote devolution of power and financial autonomy to local government. This includes a ‘full review of local government finance’. The LGiU will make a full submission to this review. In the meantime I have an efficiency saving idea for Eric Pickles: why not blow the dust of the Lyons review and have a read, instead of starting another full review. The sticking points remain. The Conservatives will not support revaluation, their manifesto specifically says so, and they fear, as did the previous government, the political repercussions. What of the alternatives to council tax? It is very difficult to see how the Liberal Democrats will win support for a Local Income Tax, as proposed in their manifesto. The Conservatives are more likely to favour a local sales tax, but is this a ‘progressive’ or ‘fair’ tax, as promised by the new government. One bright spot is that there are likely to be positive changes on the Business Rate, with councils being able to keep above average increases. In the near term council tax will remain and will be subject to the Conservative policy that referendums must be held on significant rises. Will some councils hold referendums? You bet. Will the public vote for tax rises? Not likely.
