Call for MP's to explain lack of support for poor deal for Northampton Borough Council

10.00.00pm GMT Thu 7th Feb 2008

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North, Andrew Simpson, is calling on local Northampton MP's, Sally Keeble and Brian Binley, to explain why they failed to challenge a cash settlement for Northampton Borough Council that is below the average rise given to other councils.

Both Sally Keeble and Brian Binley failed to vote against the settlement in the debate on the Local Government Finance Settlement for next year which sees Northampton Borough Council only getting a rise of 1.2% less than the average of 3.6%.

"The low rise in the amount of money from central government to help pay towards Northampton Borough Council's costs will mean a tight year ahead for local services," said Andrew Simpson. "The rise doesn't take 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 above inflation and cut services. It is a case of pay more and get less under Labour.

"So I find it remarkable that neither of our local MP's thought it was important enough to fight for a better deal for the town, and neither is recorded as having voted on the bill. Local residents and council tax payers are owed an explanation. The only party to vote against the council cash plans in Parliament and stand up for local residents were the Liberal Democrats."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The vote on the settlement was taken on Monday 4th February. The list of how MPs voted can be found on the following link:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm080204/debtext/80204-0019.htm#0802051000432