14 February 2003
A deal struck by mayor Ken Livingstone with Labour at the Greater London Authority will mean a £51 hike in his share of Londoners' council tax this year.
Under the mayor's 2003/04 spending plans, Londoners living in the typical Band D council tax property will pay a total GLA precept of £224 on top of their council tax.
The precept rise means the average Band D council tax in the capital – currently £911 – is likely to top £1,000 for the first time. It also means that the GLA precept has risen from £123 to £224 – 83% – since Livingstone's election.
GLA opponents branded the budget an 'outrageous tax grab'.
Eric Ollerenshaw, leader of the Tory group, said: 'Many Londoners simply cannot afford this tax.'
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