2% increase will lighten Powys' load

9.51.11pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 15th Jan 2008

Lembit Öpik MP and Mick Bates AM, have welcomed news that all local authorities will now receive a funding increase of at least 2%.

Lembit said: "The Liberal Democrats have lobbied hard in support of the WLGAs call for a minimum floor increase and I am pleased that the Welsh Assembly Government has listened in this its final budget for 2008-09.

"Powys had received the lowest increase in local council grant settlement in the draft budget at just 1% - this was shockingly low and would have led to the cutting back of vital frontline services.

"However at a time when inflation is running at 3% Powys County Council is still going to face tough times and choices under this improved settlement.

"Proper scrutiny of the budget will also reveal whether this increase comes as a result of decreases elsewhere."

Mick Bates added: "I am pleased to see that the hard work in campaigning for an increase has paid off. The 2% increase is good news for Powys but at the same time the Minister will continue to demand efficiencies, which will still mean cutbacks in the delivery of local services.

"I am still disappointed that the Labour-Plaid Government did not secure a better deal for Wales from Westminster and have had to scrape together money for this increase from a completely insufficient budget