Farron slams Local Government Settlement

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 10th Oct 2007

Local MP, Tim Farron has today reacted angrily to the announcement of the Local Government Settlement, and that it will only increase by 1% over the level of inflation. The settlement, which has been termed the 'worst for a decade' by the Local Government Association, is sure to see local authorities to cut vital local services in order to make necessary savings.

The Government is expecting local authorities to find something in the region of £4.9 billion in savings which will prevent them from expanding provision for services.

Tim Farron said:

"With a crushing spending squeeze on local government, the Government is trying to force rises of up to 5% each year. Cumbrian councillors of all political colours will be dismayed by this announcement.

"This will mean that council tax will have more than doubled since Labour came to power. This unfair tax must now be abolished and replaced with a fairer system that takes into account ability to pay."