PETERBOROUGH LABOUR PARTY

 Ed Murphy (pictured with John Denham) our Parliamentary candidate welcomed the news that Peterborough will receive £77.014 million from the Labour government next year for local residents’ services - an increase of £2.630, 000 real money/3.5%. One of the largest increases in the region. 

Ed Murphy called on Peterborough Council to use the extra support to invest in services and keep the council tax at a sensible level. The council should consider running proper transport services and back calls for cheaper fares whilst keeping specific services introduced by labour- such as Free Swimming for under 16s and over 60s. Grants to the voluntary sector such as the CAB, Age Concern and the Pensioners Association should be restored to previous levels.  

Given the current levels of inflation and the resources being made available, the Government expects the average Band D council tax increase in 2010-11 to be the lowest for at least sixteen years.

 “Extra investment for our area from the Labour Government means more support for local people and our Children’s services, community groups, and public services.  

“When Labour is making more money available there is no excuse for dysfunctional council services and putting of the replacement such basic things as pavements and lighting in need of repair.  

“This is great news for people in Peterborough, Eye, Thorney and Newborough- especially with the economy still recovering.” 

John Denham, Secretary of State for Communities said:

 "The Labour Government is providing stability and long term investment in Local Government. This settlement means that local government has now had 13 years of above inflation increases in funding.

"This settlement of 4%, coupled with the anticipated efficiency savings that councils have identified should mean that local authorities are able to protect and improve front line services while keeping council tax rises to their lowest levels for 16 years.

"Labour councils in London are leading the way with all eight having already announced that they will be freezing council tax while protecting their services"

The Government expects the average Band D council tax increase in 2010-11 to be the lowest for at least sixteen years.  More information can be found online here: