Nigel Evans
Main Page: Nigel Evans (Conservative - Ribble Valley)(9 years, 10 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Mr Pickles
I am pleased that the new administration in Hammersmith and Fulham is building on the fine work of the previous Conservative administration, which did more than just freeze council tax; it cut it by 3% each year, from appalling record levels. The new Labour administration has been able to take full advantage of those efficiencies.
Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley) (Con)
Will the Secretary of State congratulate Ribble Valley council, which has frozen its council tax for the past five years without reducing the level of services? If Ribble Valley council can do it, anybody can. The only thing missing in some councils is the political will.
Mr Pickles
I congratulate Ribble Valley council, which is clearly the apple of my eye. I know it to be very efficient. Income levels in the Ribble valley are better because local councillors are dedicated to keeping council tax down.