We need a government to put public services first

Martin Hemingway, Leeds NW

09 NOV 2009

Letter, Yorkshire Post

Rising council tax is an easy but dishonest target of anger. The greater part of local council funding comes from central government grant, with smaller contributions from business and from local residents.

A small cut in the government part of the grant requires a much bigger percentage rise in the local taxes. A decline in business income also requires a rise in the amount local residents pay - and that is just to maintain the income that the councils need. 

Government can then appear to act tough and, at the same time, blame the councils by capping the local part of the tax. You are right to point out that taxes rise while services are cut - and this affects the public services such as the police, as well as council services. The blame and the argument must however fall in the right place, and it is for central government to change its policies.

Tax raising powers cannot be entirely devolved to the places where money is needed, or deprived areas with bigger needs will require much higher local taxes. A central balancing mechanism is needed. In which case it is the balance of spending that needs to be looked at, and choices made about those things that we do not want - like the Trident nuclear missile system, and those things that we do not want to subsidise - like the nuclear power industry, that is snuffling around the public pot again. 

If we want the services then we should choose to pay for them; we need a government willing to put public services first.

Yours sincerely,  

Martin Hemingway

Green Party, Leeds North-West

Martin Hemingway:  

Tel: 0113 274 1011

Parliamentary candidate for Leeds North West

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