News Release

16th October 2002

STAFFORDSHIRE COULD FACE CASH CUTS SAYS MINISTER

At last night's (Tuesday 15th October) crucial debate in the House of Commons on local government finance, Michael Fabricant asked Nick Raynsford MP, the Minister for local government, "Will the Minister give an assurance that counties such as Staffordshire will be no worse off than they are at present - and believe me, they are pretty badly off now?" In replying, the Minister said that no county will be worse off in cash terms than at present, but "We do not expect to please everyone". Under further sustained questioning, the Minister revealed that no account will be taken of inflation to protect counties from cuts.

Michael Fabricant now says: "With local government inflation running around 4%, this could mean real cuts in Staffordshire's funding. This will have dire consequences on the future funding of Staffordshire schools which are already under pressure. Staffordshire Police too will feel the pinch.

"It is imperative that the huge gap between the best funded and worse funded counties is narrowed. At present, it looks as if Staffordshire will continue to languish at the bottom of the league with the rich counties getting richer and our own getting poorer. However, I am pleased that some, though by no means all, Staffordshire Labour MPs are joining me in opposing this unfair situation which is grossly unfair to our local children in the education system."