Was the Surrey council tax referendum a swindle all along? | Polly Toynbee
by Polly Toynbee from on (#2C243)
David Hodge has been a thorn in the government's side over its pernicious cuts. Next month's budget will reveal who really won this power struggle
No one likes to be duped. Did David Hodge, leader of Surrey council, pull a fast one when he said he would hold a referendum to raise council tax by an eye-catching 15%?
Last month his office called me to offer an interview, knowing I would heartily approve of anything that would hold the government's feet to the fire over the crisis in social care, with its knock-on effect on the NHS. It's time to alert all voters - especially Tory voters - to the shocking mistreatment and neglect of many older people who are denied the care they need.
The referendum was set to become a rallying point for councils everywhere
Related: PMQs verdict: Jeremy Corbyn's leaked texts give him the upper hand
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