“Remember the Poll Tax protests?”
The regional authority’s finances are in dire straits, and it seems that service and job cuts won’t be enough with the already-squeezed Powys householders expected to pick up the slack.
With the expected 22% increase from Welshpool Town Council and a possible £24 extra for Dyfed-Powys Police, a Band D property in the town could be coughing up an extra £180 next financial year.
But enough is enough was the overwhelming response to our story yesterday which was read thousands of times by enraged readers.
Some have called for a public meeting with others pleading with the council not to raise the tax as they are already facing financial hardships with one saying “this could tip us over the edge”.
Others speculate that the 12% figure is a PR smokescreen so that should a 5% increase be pushed through it will be warmly received instead, a ploy commonly used by the public sector.
One reader said she is even going to “move out of Powys”.
Some of the dozens of responses to our Facebook post are here (We have removed names):
“Remember the Poll Tax protests? Maybe time to bring them back! Look at France and how they have made their points clear on tax being added to everything.”
“That's criminal and a disgrace!! I seriously think we need to get our yellow vests out.”
“They must think we're on their income, it’s time we all said enough is enough.”
“What would the council do if everyone refused to pay their council tax, they cannot put us all in prison? I work and have just given four-week notice to leave my flat for I cannot afford to keep it on.”
“I for one won't be paying the increase.”
“I've got my yellow vest. It's time to say no more”
The final figure is due in the New Year at around the same time Powys is expected to confirm that the town’s library will be closed and co-located with Powysland Museum.
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