LONDONERS SET TO SUFFER THE KENSEQUENCES OF MAYORS SPENDING

2.00.00pm GMT Wed 19th Nov 2003

Commenting on the announcement on the draft Local Government financial settlement for London, that includes just a 3.3% increase in funds given to Met Police, Liberal Democrat Mayoral candidate Simon Hughes MP said:-

"The Local Government settlement will do nothing to close the yawning gap between what the Mayor spends and what the Mayor receives. With budget deficits in pension funding for fire-fighters, a gulf in the amount for London policing requirements and a billion pound black hole in the Mayors spending plans for transport, London faces further big rises in Council tax in the coming years.

"With just a 3.3% increase in Met Police funding the Mayor has clearly failed in bid to secure more cash for the capital.

"With costs rising for many services in London Boroughs before the Mayor slaps his tax on the capital, it will inevitably mean that millions of households will have to suffer the consequences of further big hikes in their bills."

ENDS

Notes to editors

Copies of the Draft Local Government Settlement can be obtained by contacting the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister press office