Lambeth has seventh-lowest Council Tax in London

12.51.01pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 26th May 2005

Lambeth currently has the seventh lowest Council Tax in London, despite the Mayor of London more than doubling his share of the tax since he was elected.

Liberal Democrats in Lambeth are tackling Labour's legacies and turning the borough's finances around:

• As of the end of March 2005 our prudent financial management has turned Labour's £28m General Fund deficit in 2002 into reserves of £25m (regarded by the District Auditor as being 'as low as is prudent').

*A further £5 million is being put into the Pensions Fund next year to help make up the shortfall there

• By collecting Lambeth's debts more promptly we are able to save £800,000 next year

The in-year collection of Council Tax by Lambeth Council since it was introduced is as follows:

2004-05 92.0%

2003-04 88.7%

2002-03 90.1%

2001-02 86.5%

2000-01 82.0%

1999-2000 84.4%

1998-99 80.3%

1997-98 80.3%

1996-97 78.6%

1995-96 65.7%

1994-95 46.0%

1993-94 46.8%

There seems to be some parallel between Liberal Democrat councillors having influence in decision-making in Lambeth, and local taxes being collected better. Lib Dems were part of the balanced council from 1994-98 and have led the Joint Administration since 2002. Labour controlled Lambeth prior to 1994 and from 1998-2002.