Poll tax attack

MICHAEL Howard, the Minister for Local Government, has replied to criticism levelled at poll tax proposals by the London Churches Group. The group, which is an ecumenical forum of Church leaders, claimed that the poll tax would put pressure on families to place their elderly relatives in institutions, as they would not be exempt from the tax if they stayed at home.
Auxiliary Bishop Tripp of Southwark and Auxiliary Bishop Philip Harvey of Westminster were among those who signed a letter the The Times outlining the group's opposition to the tax.
"The community charge will also greatly increase the financial burden of the Churches, for the loss of the existing 50 per cent relief on the homes of clergy and ministers will mean an extra bill of some £6 million" noted the group.
In reply, Mr Howard claimed: "The community charge offers a much fairer way of paying for local government. I regret that its effects have on occasion been misrepresented and are therefore not yet fully understood".