Labour wants taxation without representation

The Taxpayers' Union is slamming Labour’s plan to abolish the ratepayer roll, saying property owners should not be forced to fund councils while being denied a vote over who sets their rates.

Taxpayers' Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:

“This is constitutionally barbaric. The ratepayer roll doesn't give landlords extra votes in the same council, it gives people who pay rates to a council one vote in that council’s election.

“You don't strengthen democracy by taking political rights away from the very people you intend to tax. If Labour wants landlord's money, the least they could do is not take away their representation.”