Protestors gathered outside Grimsby Town Hall last night in a bid to drum up support against proposed changes to council tax.
North East Lincolnshire Council is currently consulting on changes which include the option to drop council tax support – a discount applied to low-income and disabled households – to just 50% rather than the current 75%.
Representatives of several opposition parties, unions and residents, however, said the proposals will “rob the poor” and go after the worst-off in society.
Labour Party leader Mathew Patrick said it would affect more than 14,000 people.
Roy Horobin, from the Liberal Democrats said last night: “They’re going to be going after people who are on the edge financially and don’t have the money.
“Of course you need money, but it’s got to be fair.”
Ian Barfield, Lib Dem leader at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s quite clear what they’re going to do is rob the poorest people of the town.”
“They said nothing about this in their manifesto but they’re looking at hiking council tax on families with disabled people, children under five, some of the most vulnerable people in our community who are going to be facing the biggest bill they’ve ever known in their life,” he said.
“I don’t think it’s going to raise the money they’re looking for because where this is tried it just leads to more instances of court summonses where it collapses lives, causes mental health issues and people end up unable to make ends meet.
“It’s ultimately self-defeating and punishing the most vulnerable.”
Council leader Philip Jackson giving his leaders’ speech at the full council meeting last night. Photo: Daniel Jaines
Council leader Philip Jackson reiterated the proposals were out for consultation and people had the opportunity to respond, promising: “We will take into account what the public says before we me make a decision.”
The results will be discussed by the cabinet before going to full council in December.
“You have to remember there are a lot of people on low or minimum wage who don’t get any discount because they’re out earning and they’re quite often subsidising people on higher incomes – some of who may be on benefits,” he said.
“It also reduces the amount of council tax that comes into the authority if we have large discounts, which means other people have to pay more to ensure we are able to deliver the services we want.
“It’s got to be a balanced approach and we’ve got to weigh up the pros and cons.”
SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEKLY, our exclusive email newsletter with highlights from coverage every week, as well as insights and analysis from our local democracy reporters.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Residents, visitors, and traders have expressed their disappointment following the cancellation of the beloved Lincoln Christmas Market, on what would have been the inaugural day of this year’s four-day event.
Although the poor weather might have deterred some people, the city’s Bailgate area was notably quiet around 12pm on Thursday, typically the time the event usually opens its doors.
Although Lincoln’s famous Christmas Market is no more this year, and won’t be opening today, there are still alternative festive events happening in Lincoln.
City of Lincoln Council’s decision to cancel the 40-year-old event over safety concerns prompted backlash from people and business but, despite pleas from opposition members, its leaders would not change their stance.
There are, however, still some events in Lincoln to get you in the festive mood this week, including these highlights:
Christmas Market at County Assembly Rooms
The County Assembly Rooms in the Bailgate will still hold its own Christmas Market that it has done for many years.
Manager Gill Hunter said stallholders had already pre-booked and 70% still wanted to do it despite the cancellation of the city’s 40-year-old Christmas Market in uphill Lincoln.
There will be a range of festive stalls, food, drinks and performers when it opens at the following times:
Thursday, December 7 (4pm-9pm)
Friday, December 8 (10am-9pm)
Saturday, December 9 (10am-9pm)
Sunday, December 10 (10am-7pm)
This coincides with the free parking at selected city council car parks in uphill Lincoln on Thursday and Friday. This is available at these car parks: Westgate 1,2,3, St Pauls, Castle Hill, The Lawn, and Langworthgate
The bar at The County Assembly Rooms will be serving hot chocolate, festive sandwiches, alcoholic beverages and more. There will also be a brewery selling bottle ale and roasted hot chestnuts will also be available to buy.
Lincoln Castle Illuminated
Lincoln Castle Illuminated will run from Friday, December 8 until Saturday, December 23.
The Castle grounds will be bejewelled with festive lights and illuminated Christmas features. You can take a drip down Candy Cane Lane and also see the resident Castle dragons Lucy and Norman.
The Castle has retained its popular Illuminated Wall Walk, but the lift is currently out of action so it can only be accessed via the spiral staircase.
You can also board the ‘Mini Polar Express’ and enjoy traditional fairground rides.
In addition, there will be local vendors offering sweet treats and winter warmers, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Dog friendly evenings will take place on December 13 and 20.
The full Lincoln Castle Illuminated experience costs £11 for adults, £10 for concessions, £6 for children, and £28 for family tickets. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the grounds only for £3 per head (free for under 5s).
Festive fun at Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting an array of festive events this month, including during what would have been the Christmas Market period.
Crafters market in the Cloisters – December 8 and 9 (10.30am-4.30pm)
Nativity Crafts – December 9 (10am-3.30pm)
London Concertante: Christmas at the Movies – December 9 (7.30pm). Ticket prices range from £33.99 to £47.72
‘After Hours’: Walking towards Christmas – December 10 (6.45pm)
Winter Market at Lincoln Museum
Lincoln Museum on Danes Terrace is holding a Winter Market on Saturday, December 9, which has been organised by Shelf Editions.
There will also be workshops to take part in including metal wreath (£45) and felt decoration (£15) making, which can be booked via the museum’s website.
For the younger visitors there is also a free drop-in Calendar wreath craft session with the Elbow Room Collective.
Entry to the market is free from 10am-4pm with the cafe serving a festive menu from 11am-3pm.
Lincoln Ice Trail
Lincoln Ice Trail will run from 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10.
There will be 20 Lincoln-themed ice sculptures to find – you can pick up a map of the trail from the Visitor Information Centre.
In addition, there will be festive entertainment, as well as live-ice carving demonstrations of the Cathedral.
The Travelling Historical Christmas Market
Although this event is next week, The Travelling Historical Christmas Market offers another festive alternative for people in Lincoln.
The free event will take place at St Mary le Wigford Church on St Mary’s Street between December 14 and 17 at the following times: