Grey power is here
17 January 2004, 10:57 AM
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Pensioners protest on council tax
Protesters want the tax replaced by one based on their ability to pay
Thousands of pensioners are expected to take part in a rally against rising council tax bills on Saturday.
Organisers are hoping as many as 5,000 will walk from Trafalgar Square to 10 Downing Street to present a petition.
But police suggest the mild weather might encourage as many as 20,000 participants from across Britain.
The demonstration has been organised by the campaign group Is It Fair, which claims, on average, the cost of council tax has risen by up to 70% since 1997.
Among those supporting the demo is the Royal British Legion, which says the tax is unfair.
It says ex-service personnel who have fought in wars for freedom and a better life are now facing increased hardship and poverty because of the rising charges.
Armed service pensions have risen by 2.8% this year while council tax has increased by 12.9%, it said.
Spokesman Jeremy Lillies added: "We have people who are on a limited income who are less and less able to afford even the modest necessities of life.
Council tax explained
In graphics
"They're driven to come to protest in the hope that the government will acknowledge that something has to be done to stop this."
The Legion says the council tax system needs to be replaced with a fairer alternative, which looks after the elderly and those on low earnings.
The pensioners will hand in a petition, containing 35,000 names, to the prime minister's residence.
John and Audrey Brown from Hertsmere in Hertfordshire are among those joining Saturday's march.
Mr Brown told BBC Radio 4's Today programme his council tax went up 18.2% last year and there were suggestions it could go up another 10% this year.
He pays £1,089 a year and says council tax is the biggest expense for many pensioners and others on fixed incomes.
"We need to make a point," he said.
"We have 11m pensioners in this country and the grey power of these pensioners, if properly harnessed, can be [a force] for good."
On Thursday, a local government body proposed council tax reforms.
The proposals included major changes to council tax, councils regaining control of business rates and getting a part of income tax.
Chip.
Protesters want the tax replaced by one based on their ability to pay
Thousands of pensioners are expected to take part in a rally against rising council tax bills on Saturday.
Organisers are hoping as many as 5,000 will walk from Trafalgar Square to 10 Downing Street to present a petition.
But police suggest the mild weather might encourage as many as 20,000 participants from across Britain.
The demonstration has been organised by the campaign group Is It Fair, which claims, on average, the cost of council tax has risen by up to 70% since 1997.
Among those supporting the demo is the Royal British Legion, which says the tax is unfair.
It says ex-service personnel who have fought in wars for freedom and a better life are now facing increased hardship and poverty because of the rising charges.
Armed service pensions have risen by 2.8% this year while council tax has increased by 12.9%, it said.
Spokesman Jeremy Lillies added: "We have people who are on a limited income who are less and less able to afford even the modest necessities of life.
Council tax explained
In graphics
"They're driven to come to protest in the hope that the government will acknowledge that something has to be done to stop this."
The Legion says the council tax system needs to be replaced with a fairer alternative, which looks after the elderly and those on low earnings.
The pensioners will hand in a petition, containing 35,000 names, to the prime minister's residence.
John and Audrey Brown from Hertsmere in Hertfordshire are among those joining Saturday's march.
Mr Brown told BBC Radio 4's Today programme his council tax went up 18.2% last year and there were suggestions it could go up another 10% this year.
He pays £1,089 a year and says council tax is the biggest expense for many pensioners and others on fixed incomes.
"We need to make a point," he said.
"We have 11m pensioners in this country and the grey power of these pensioners, if properly harnessed, can be [a force] for good."
On Thursday, a local government body proposed council tax reforms.
The proposals included major changes to council tax, councils regaining control of business rates and getting a part of income tax.
Chip.
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