GRANT FUNDING TO THE SOUTH EAST

Early day motion 145, tabled 19 November 2002 by Mark Oaten (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 5 members.

That this House is deeply concerned that Government proposals in its consultation on the Local Government Finance Formula Grant Distribution to cut grants to services in the South East could cost the region ú500 million from social services, education and other essential public service budgets that are already under financial pressure and could force up council tax by up to 30 per cent. over the next three years in a region that is already funded at much less than the national average whilst still retaining pockets of deprivation and sustaining some of the highest costs of living and housing costs in the UK; recognises the economic contribution of the region to the country and is concerned that proposed cuts could damage this; and therefore calls on the Government to drop existing proposals to cut grants to the region replacing them with more sustainable grant-funding proposals that better reflect the needs of the South East.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 4, Labour 1.