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‘Poor effort: budget fails to help most deprived’
Council under fire from opposition on plans for the coming year
FINANCE chiefs have been accused of “slapping the poor in the face” after details of this year’s budget were released.
The 42-page document fails to commit to safeguarding funding in wards with high levels of deprivation.
It follows the government’s shock announcement that the council would no longer qualify for a special grant funding social projects and services in areas of high deprivation in north Westminster.
Conservative controlled Westminster council has reacted with anger to the decision and appear unwilling to sugar the pill in their budget plans.
Labour group finance chief Councillor Guthrie McKie said: “It is appalling that at a time when the council’s reserve fund is at a record high there is no announcement on how that money might be distributed to areas of deprivation.
“This is a budget for the wealthy. It is a slap in the face to the poor and those in overcrowded accommodation, let alone those without a permanent home.
“The council has been aware for six years that the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund was time-limited and that the government was encouraging local authorities to support local projects through mainstream funding.
“The budget proposals make no commitment to significant funding for areas with high levels of poverty and deprivation. This is despite a healthy reserve fund of £77 million.”
Deputy council leader and cabinet member for finance Cllr Colin Barrow said: “Thanks to big efficiency savings we are in a strong position to pass a zero per cent change in council tax to our residents while still delivering high quality frontline services.
“In contrast, the mayor [of London] has increased his share of council tax for the eighth year running which at a time of increasing economic certainty will undoubtedly hit residents hard.
“It is therefore becoming increasingly questionable whether he is able to offer value for money for local taxpayers.”
Westminster council’s band D will be frozen at £377.80 (£687.62 with the GLA precept) from April. The GLA precept makes up 45 per cent of Londoner’s council tax bill. |
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