Liberal Democrats say NO to 15% increase

Liberal Democrat County Councillors strongly oppose the proposal to increase the county council element of the council tax by 15% and have launched a petition against it, which has already been signed by hundreds of Surrey residents. The petition will send a message to the county hall and national government that the tax is unfair, unaffordable and an incorrect way of addressing the crisis of adult social care. If approved this unprecedented increase would trigger a county-wide referendum.  A yes vote will increase the cost of council tax considerably but still not avoid savage cuts to essential services.   A no vote would result in even more cuts, with the elderly and those on fixed incomes hit hardest. Irrespective of the outcome it will still mean substantial increases in charges and cuts to services  even including the closing of the county's alzheimer centres, now needed more than ever. The urgent need to fund adult social care needs a long term solution from national government in close co-operation with the NHS, not this suggested temporary sticking plaster. The Conservatives at both national and county levels have clearly failed Surrey residents and a better answer needs to be provided. Please sign the petition now at: https://signme.org.uk/1304 Also ask family and friends to support this initiative.   Thank you.