YOU PAY FOR BLAIR'S OLYMPIC COUNCIL TAX HIKE

1.09.00pm GMT Tue 22nd Nov 2005

LOCAL LIBERAL DEMOCRATS have opposed plans by the government which would set no limit on how much Bromley Borough residents have to pay towards the London Olympics through their Council Tax.

Lib Dem Councillor Grace Goodlad, who moved the motion at Bromley Council, said: "Local Council Tax-payers do not have bottomless pockets to pay for the London Olympics. While we support the games, it has to be recognised it is an Olympics for all of Britain."

The Lib Dem move follows a statement by the Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell that she: "...cannot say that there will be any guarantee there will be a cap [to how much London Council Tax-payers have to pay]."

As well as a limit to how much residents pay, the Lib Dems have also called for:

• A time limit to guarantee that Londoners are not bearing the agreed costs over an unlimited period;

• Council Tax bills should separately identify the part that funds the games;

• Council Tax-payers should not be responsible for any additional costs. If Londoners are committed to the substantial investment for the Olympics they cannot also be expected to underwrite the project entirely, or, indeed, meet any additional costs.

• If the public subsidy costs are less than projected, or are offset by profits, this funding should be returned to London. Those areas like Bromley Borough which will benefit less from the games should benefit from any lower costs generated.

• Londoners should have the opportunity to purchase cheaper tickets for some of the events held as part of the Olympic Games.

Councillor Grace Goodlad added: "The London Olympics will be a once in a lifetime event we should all support, but local people should not have to unfairly pay towards their success."