New Forest District Council's Conservatives overturn recommendations to help the poorest

Liberal Democrat Councillors complained bitterly to the administration at New Forest District Council on Monday evening when a Task and Finish Group proposal to remove the 10% minimum contribution a person is expected to pay in Council Tax was overturned by the Conservative leadership.

The Task and Finish Group had recommended the change because the people affected struggle to pay their Council Tax anyway and officer time would be better spent elsewhere.

By reducing economic strain on the poorest households, this policy not only enhances individual well-being but also contributes to a more resilient, equitable, and thriving local economy.

The move was challenged by the Liberal Democrat opposition and the vote was lost by 22 votes to 19 votes.

Councillor Philip Dowd, of Hythe Central, served on the Task and Finish Group. he said:

"In our earlier meeting, the Portfolio Holder for Finance, a Cabinet Member attended and gave his view on our recommendation to remove this requirement over one of our points - that was agreed previously by all.

"His argument that the protection could be dealt with by the hardship fund was wrong. The hardship fund was a one-off.

"The group had enough members to withstand the challenge to the agreed position - but this was yet another example of a Portfolio Holder, and thereby the Conservative leadership, exercising undue pressure on the democratic process.

“The Conservative Group then fell in behind their leadership like sheep and removed this proposal at Monday night's full council.”