Call on Conservative MP to explain failure to oppose poor deal for Arun District Council.

10.04.28pm GMT Thu 7th Feb 2008

Liberal Democrats in the Arun District are calling on Nick Gibb MP to explain why he sat on the fence when a cash settlement for Arun District Council and West Sussex County Council that is below the average rise given to other councils was agreed by the House of Commons.

Nick Gibb MP abstained rather than voted against the proposal for Arun council to have a rise of only 1%, and West Sussex County Council got 2%, both less than the average of 3.6%.

"The low rise in the amount of money from central government to help pay towards Arun's costs will mean a tight year ahead for local services," said Simon McDougall, leader of Arun's Liberal Democrats. "The rise barely takes into account inflation and the additional costs of services the government requires councils to provide.

"The end result is that councils are being forced to increase council tax above inflation and cut services. It is a case of pay more and get less under Labour.

"So I find it remarkable that Mr Gibb failed to oppose this poor deal and make a stand for the Arun District. Local residents and council tax payers are owed an explanation.

"It seems that the Conservatives are failing to mount a strong challenge to the Labour government and are content to sit back and let Gordon Brown's Labour government get on with things. The only party to vote against the council cash plans in Parliament and stand up for local residents were the Liberal Democrats."