Derek Deedman

Despite the highly publicised campaign by the County Council’s Tory leaders against another poor Government grant settlement for 2008/09 they failed to convince the County’s Tory MPs.

The Liberal Democrats can be proud that the 42 Lib Dem MPs present during the debate in the House of Commons on the Grant Settlement for 2008/09 voted against the Governments final proposals; only three Tory MPs joined them – none from West Sussex! All the other Tory MPs throughout the Country either did not bother to turn up or abstained.

Derek Deedman, Vice Chairman of the County Policy & Resources Select Committee, said, “It is appalling that none of the County’s Tory MPs could be bothered to vote against this Grant Settlement which leaves West Sussex County Council with a grant increase of only 2%, barely half than the national average average of 3.6%. Although I suppose it is a slightly better performance than the County’s only Labour MP who actually voted in favour of this miserly increase!

“The low rise in the amount of money from central government to help pay towards the County Council’s costs will mean another tight year ahead for local services,” Derek said “The rise does not even take account of inflation, let alone the additional costs of services the government requires the Council to provide.

“The end result is that the County Council is increasing council tax above inflation and, whilst there is some service growth offset by major efficiency savings, some services will be cut yet again. It is a case of pay more for fewer services under Labour, whilst the Tories just do nothing.

“It seems that Tories are failing to mount a strong challenge to the Labour Government on this and other vital matters, and are content to sit back and let Gordon Brown 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.”