TORY WHINGES EXPOSED

Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his statement on the Comprehensive Spending Review had good news for local government. Contrary to Tory expectations, increases for the next three years for core funding were 2.8% per annum for education and 1% per annum for other services above inflation. This continues the above inflation settlements we have experienced under a Labour Government compared with the below inflation settlements of the Tory years.

Dr Mike Eddy, Kent County Council Shadow Leader, says:

"For the Tories to argue that this "looks bleak" for local government and council taxpayers is perverse. When the Tories were in power in Whitehall below inflation settlements were hailed as right and just but when Labour is in power above inflation settlements are automatically condemned."

Derek Smyth, Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance, says:

"To improve value for money the Labour Government assumes local authorities will make 3% savings each year to reinvest in services. The Tory claim that they are forced to make savings of some £40 million a year to balance the budget is wide of the mark. Kent residents would expect Kent County Council to make savings each year to improve value for money. They would expect nothing less."