Letters to the Editor

Wednesday, 16th November 2005

Londoners Payment for the Olympics Must Be Capped

SIR-

London's Council Taxpayers need a categorical assurance from Mayor Ken Livingstone that the council tax payers will not be asked to pay more than £20 a year (in a Band D house) towards funding the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Games offers a wonderful opportunity for London and indeed the whole nation.  I know that most Londoners may be happy to pay their share of the staging costs, but they need firm evidence that these costs will be capped.

Government Ministers and the Mayor of London saying "trust us" is not that categorical assurance.  

Mayor Livingstone needs to put his promise on record - that no Band D London Council taxpayer will be asked for any more than £20 a year for 12 years as their contribution to the Games."

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. In a memorandum of understanding drawn up between the Mayor and government Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell in 2003, agreement was reached that London's Council Taxpayers would only be asked for a maximum of £625million as a contribution towards paying for the Games. This money will be raised by a levy on Council taxpayers of £20 a year (Band D) for a total of 12 years.
   
   Since being awarded the games in July of this year both the Mayor of London and Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell MP have refused to confirm that the £625million will be the limit of what Londoners are asked to contribute towards the Games.
2. If you would like to arrange an interview with Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting Stephanie Dearden then please call 020-7771-2551 or 07985-649807 or 07754 583090
3. Official photographs here http://www.stephaniedearden.org/smd_mugs/index.htm