Tories are stuck 15 years in the past

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 21st Apr 2005

We learned this week that the Tories believe that a Council Tax based on a fifteen year old valuation of the property you live in is the best way of funding local government in 2005. If ever we needed proof that they are stuck in the past, this is surely it.

In 1991, unleaded petrol was only 45p a litre. Draught lager was £1.37 per pint. Even a kilo of Cheddar cheese was more than £2 cheaper fifteen years ago. Which raises the question - why aren't the Conservatives fighting for cheaper cheese?

So when can we expect the next Conservative bandwagon proclaiming that a Tory government would base income tax on your income in 1991? That would cut taxes at a stroke.

What was it about 1991 that makes it the best year to base one specific tax on? The Tories policy on local taxation simply doesn't stand up to scrutiny.

Alternatively, a Local Income Tax would be fairer, and cheaper to administer. 50% of people would pay no more tax, 25% would be better off, and 25% would pay a bit more.