£70 'stolen' from every Cornwall household

11.00.00am GMT Wed 13th Feb 2008

Cornwall's five Liberal Democrat MPs have accused the government of 'stealing' £70 from every Cornish household.

Speaking in advance of the County Council's budget, due to be put to Councillors this evening (Wednesday), the group say that local taxpayers face a Council Tax rise to meet the cost of what Cornish MPs say is 'a ministerial smash and grab raid' of £17m on Cornwall's annual grant.

The Government's own formula says Cornwall should get an increase of £166m in its grant this year but 10% of that money has been snatched away to fund better off councils in the wealthy South East.

Liberal Democrat MPs voted en masse against the move in a special House of Commons vote on February 4th, while the Conservative leadership chose not to vote.

The County is under pressure to maintain and increase investment in adult social care, the fire service, and schools. The MPs are confident that the Council's efficiency savings in the last five years will limit the impact of the Government's actions. Big increases in adult social care funding and fire service cash are expected.

Commenting, North Cornwall's MP, Dan Rogerson said:

"The County has been placed in an impossible position by central government since Ministers announced their plan to take £17m of Cornwall's grant away to other parts of the country.

"The Government own formula shows this money is needed here in Cornwall. There can be no excuse for running away with those funds.

"Despite these difficulties, it seems councillors will be able to increase funding to vital services like adult social care and the fire service. That's testament to their strong financial management in challenging circumstances over the past couple of years."

Falmouth and Camborne MP, Julia Goldsworthy, added:

"The County could almost certainly cut Council Tax if it weren't for a last minute decision to make off with much needed Cornish cash.

"As it is the Council is left short of £70 for every household in Cornwall.

"Join our campaign to get Cornwall's cash back at http://www.ourcampaign.org.uk/cornwall/"