Strongly criticises a levy, we hear (7)

I believe the answer is:

attacks

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'strongly criticises' is the definition.
'attacks' can be an answer for 'criticises' (attacking is a kind of criticizing). I am unsure of the 'strongly' bit.

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for attacks that I've seen before include "Invades" , "Assaults" , "Bouts of illness" , "Launches assault or criticism" , "Charges" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.

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