Local Government Funding

Debate between Caroline Flint and Lyn Brown

Monday 6th December 2010 Commons Chamber

[Caroline Flint]

I think I am right in saying that, for every year we were in power, there was an above inflation increase in local government spending. I am not going to apologise for trying to show leadership in addressing need, inequality and poverty in this country. Perhaps that is something that the Secretary of State and his hon. Friends on the Government Front Bench do not want to champion anymore.

[Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab)]

My right hon. Friend talked about the cuts being front-loaded. Figures from Newham council suggest that a large proportion of the nearly £40 million cuts for Newham—13% of the 25% total cuts that are being proposed by the Government—will take place in year one.

[Caroline Flint]

That is another example of the devastating impact of the cuts in the first year. I say to the Secretary of State: is that a fiction?