SANDRA SLAMS THE BUDGET

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

Commenting on the local government funding in the pre-budget report and Comprehensive Spending Review, Local MP Sandra Gidley said

"With a crushing spending squeeze on local government it seems inevitable that Council Tax will rise by as much as 5% each year and cut backs on vital local services will have to be made.

"This will mean that Council Tax will have more than doubled since Labour came to power. This unfair tax must be abolished and replaced with a tax based on an individual's ability to pay

"This will severally impact on many of my constituents who are already struggling with rising council tax bills, combined with raises in interest rates, and energy bills this announcement will only add further strain to family budgets"

"The announcement will also offer little comfort for elderly people who will need care in the next three years. Cuts or restrictions to care services for the elderly now seem unavoidable