Tuesday, 26 February 2008

For immediate use 

MP Slams Tory Budget Cuts

Celia Barlow, Labour MP for Hove & Portslade, condemns the impact cuts will have on the city and for the Tories key election pledge backtrack 

Celia Barlow condemned the Tory administration’s budget for 2008/2009.  The proposed budget includes cuts of £300,000 to the children at risk fund, £50,000 from the Carers Fund and the freezing of funds to tackle drug abuse.  The budget also sees the Conservatives breaking their main election pledge to only increase Council Tax at the rate of inflation.   

These cuts are in conjunction with massive increases in residents parking costs which will impact upon hard working families as well as making it more expensive for friends and family to visit.  Wedding costs have increased by 700% and burial charges have risen by 7.9%.   

Celia Barlow MP said;“The funding cuts in the Tory budget will seriously damage public services and hit the most vulnerable people in our society hardest.The Tories say they are in favor of marriage but they are increasing the costs of a wedding by an unbelievable 700%. Grieving families will face a 7.9% increase in burial charges amounting to a Tory tax on life and death.  Moreover, raising Council Tax above inflation breaks a key Conservative election pledge and proves the Tories have lied to us again.”

Ends