Labour in Leeds

Labour Councillor Debra Coupar has spoken of her disappointment after Labour Group proposals to freeze Council Tax for all those aged 80 and over were rejected by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Administration at today’s Budget meeting. 

The Labour Group put forward a budget amendment that focused on lessening the financial pressures on people on fixed incomes. 

In addition to the Council Tax freeze there were also proposals for free homecare for the over 80s and the free use of leisure centres for the over 65s. However under the budget that was passed none of these benefits will be felt by the elderly of the city, much to Councillor Coupar’s frustration.  

Councillor Debra Coupar (Shadow Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care) said: “It is extremely frustrating when proposals designed to ease the pressure on vulnerable people are just dismissed out of hand. 

I really do feel that this is a missed opportunity for the people of Leeds and that many elderly people will start to feel a real pinch this year when all of the coalition’s price increases start to hit home. I am delighted that the Labour Group have once again shown their commitment to the older people of Leeds by proposing a Council Tax freeze for all those aged 80 and over. The proposal demonstrates our unwaivering belief that the elderly in our city deserve to be valued and respected.   

It is just a shame that the coalition do not share our values and seem intent on making life as difficult as possible for the sections of society who can least afford it.  We showed through our proposal that these steps could easily be taken to ease the pressure but the Conservatives and Liberals just don’t seem to be interested in helping people and instead are short-changing them.”