Taxpayers to be paid £50 rebate

More than 122,000 council tax paying households in a west London borough could be given a £50 rebate to help them during the recession.

Ealing residents who have fully paid their council tax will receive the cash handout. Those who have not will get £50 credited against their bill.

If the proposal gets the go-ahead, they will receive the cash before Christmas.

A spokesman said the payment was possible because of the council's "prudent financial management".

'Difficult times'

Jason Stacey, leader of Ealing Council, said: "Ealing Council has built up strong reserves to see us through these difficult economic times.

"But, it is also important to remember that this money belongs to local people so it is only right that we give back some money during the recession."

He said the cash injection should also benefit retailers as it will be accompanied by a campaign to encourage residents to shop locally.

The council also proposes to scrap its car park charges each weekend throughout December across the borough to encourage local shopping.

The cash handout will cost Ealing council more than £6.1m.

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