COUNCILLOR Roy Connolly's mischievous letter (February 1) gives the impression that the Conservative and Independent Groups on West Devon Borough Council conspired to increase car parking charges when he knows full well that his Liberal Democrat colleagues actually voted for this increase.
The time has come to peer through his smokescreen to analyse from where all the high taxes, that ratepayers in Tavistock are currently paying, have originated.
1, The Liberal Democrat Group (unlike the Conservative) on the town council voted for the massive 380 per cent increase in council tax last year, of which approximately £375,000 has been unnecessarily spent in legal fees in connection with a building dispute concerning the town hall and adjoining properties.
2, The Liberal Democrat-controlled county council has increased its rates by 36 per cent over the past four years, whilst wasting money on unnecessary schemes such as the Whitchurch rural gateway.
3, As a result of the town council's disastrously huge rate increase, West Devon Borough Council were rate-capped by the government to the extent of approximately £60,000, which has also added to this year's rate demands. However, the officers at West Devon (who are to be congratulated) successfully negotiated the return of this £60,000, which is currently sitting in their coffers.
4, West Devon Borough Council has decided to return this money to taxpayers but, as an alternative, the amount is sufficient to keep the car parking charges at their current level for the next two years, without any increase in council tax (even allowing for an 'expensive' car parking manager!).
Increasing car parking charges has a detrimental effect on the whole town and surrounding community and it is only the Conservatives who are trying to keep the local rates and charges down to a sensible level whilst scrutinising the Liberal Democrats' tax and spend policies.
John G Taylor
Prospective Conservative
candidate
County council elections