News

Poole's case for fairer funding has been heard at the heart of Westminster despite the Government's statement that they would not meet with any individual local authorities on the Local Government financial settlement for 2004-2005.

Cllr Brian Leverett, Leader of the Council, met senior Local Government Minister, Nick Raynsford as a representative of the Unitary Special Interest Group (Unisig), a national organisation that represents Unitary Authorities on issues such as funding.

Cllr Leverett, said: "This was a golden opportunity to speak directly to the Government about the difficult issues facing Poole and all Unitary Councils. Top of the agenda was the inequality we face in funding when compared to other Councils. Nowhere is this illustrated more clearly for Poole than in education where we receive £128 less per pupil than Bournemouth which is its self poorly funded.

I am pleased that the Minister accepted many of the problems facing us, particularly on the issues of waste and licensing where the need to fund increased costs and new duties has not yet been met. I hope to report in the New Year that the Government has listened with further announcements on funding that will benefit Poole residents. "

He added: "My New Year wish is that the Government does review the funding Poole receives so that we can improve services at an affordable cost to Poole residents. Whilst there seem to be no immediate plans to review how funding is allocated nationally, the Minister said he would welcome information from us on the special difficulties we and other Unitary Authorities have which will be considered when the Government review the funding formulae the next time.

As a result, the Group is undertaking a review and will be providing further evidence of the under funding Unitary Authorities such as Poole have received since their creation in 1997, which has led to unacceptable Council Tax increases in recent years. A report will be submitted to the Government in the New Year."

Representatives from Unisig travel to meet with Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford. Pictured L to R:

Michael Frater, Chief Executive, Telford and Wrekin
Cllr Brian Leverett, Leader, Borough of Poole
Isobel Wilson, Leader Milton Keynes
David Andrews, Borough Treasurer, Southend-on-Sea
Cllr Bill McKenzie, Labour Group Leader, Luton