Council tax shocker

Posted on May 2, 2008

Bills in the local area total far more than neighbouring Luton, figures show.

People who live inside South Beds District Council's boundaries are stung far more in council tax bills than almost anywhere else in the country, new figures have shown.

On average, people in Band D homes in Dunstable, Houghton Regis, Eaton Bray and the surrounding villages pay £200 more each year than their counterparts in neighbouring Luton.

South Beds trails just Sedgefield Borough Council and Rutland County Council for the dubious honour of being the country's most heavily-taxed local authority area.

The average bill for each Band D property in the district is £1,593, compared to £1,293 in Luton.

This week the Taxpayers' Alliance, which campaigns for public sector efficiency, called on authorities at the top of the list to be more prudent.

But South Beds District Council and Beds County Council have defended themselves against allegations of wastefulness.

For the latest news from Eaton Bray and beyond, get the Dunstable Gazette every Wednesday and make a daily date with Dunstable Today.

Source: Dave Burke, Dunstable Today, 1 May 2008