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A new levy on council suppliers that will fund good causes across Leeds has been branded a “cack-handed” and “stealthy” tax.

Coun Andrew Carter, who leads the opposition Conservative Group at Leeds City Council, said the new charge was “badly thought out” and was simply a way of "screwing money out of suppliers."

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The council says the “modest” annual levy to be charged to companies that it does business with will bring in around £500,000 a year. This money will be used to create a new “social value fund” to aid worthy projects, with local charities and voluntary groups expected to benefit.

Coun Andrew Carter leads the opposition Conservative Group on Leeds City Council. Picture: James Hardisty

Leeds council accused of 'screwing money out of suppliers' with new levy