Conservative MPs Fail To Oppose Poor Deals For District Councils

1.37.00pm GMT Tue 12th Feb 2008

Local Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt is calling on Worcestershire's Conservative MPs, Sir Michael Spicer and Peter Luff to explain why they sat on the fence when cash settlements for Malvern Hills and Wychavon councils well below the average were agreed by the House of Commons.

Both MPs abstained rather than vote against the proposal for Malvern Hills to receive a rise of only 1% and Wychavon 2.2% on last year's figures, less than the average of 3.6%.

"The low rise in the amount of money from central government to help pay towards our district councils costs will mean a tight year ahead for local services," said Richard Burt. "The rise barely takes into account inflation and the additional costs of services the government requires councils to provide.

"The end result is that councils are being forced to increase council tax and cut services. It is a case of pay more and get less under Labour.

"So I find it remarkable that both MPs failed to oppose this poor deal and make a stand for our area. Local residents and council tax payers are owed an explanation.

"It seems that the Conservatives are failing to mount a strong challenge to the Labour government and are content to sit back and let Gordon Brown's Labour government get on with things. The only party to vote against the council cash plans in Parliament and stand up for local residents were the Liberal Democrats."