Page 16 - link magazine

16
LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER

MP calls for a fairer deal for Swindon

Swindon North MP Michael Wills explains why Swindon Council has had to cut its spending yet again.
How much a council can raise and spend from the council tax is largely determined by central government and successive governments have
tried to keep down local authority spending. The new Labour government is still trying to put right the financial irresponsibility of the last
Conservative government which doubled the national debt in five years.
Nevertheless, I have been lob- to Swindon. Even so, easily have declined
bying the Government to make the Council was un- too, like so many Have a say
changes. And this year Swindon able to avoid making other former one in- Swindon Council wants your
did far better than in previous years some painful deci- dustry towns. views on its draft three year plan
in getting 6% more than last year, sions. That it did not is designed to take the borough into
better than almost every other lo- So we need to keep largely due to the the next Millenium.
cal authority. There have been arguing for Swindon vision and imagina- The aim is to give a firm idea of
some real gains, like the £3.7 mil- to get a fairer deal. I tion of a council that, how to make the town a better
lion of new money for education welcome the Govern- over many years, place to live, work in and visit.
and more money to extend a much ment's determina- planned for a new Copies of the summary and full
needed and highly valued tion to end crude and future. It bought plan are available in libraries, or
shopmobility scheme. universal rate cap- land, targeted from main council offices.
And rightly so. When Swindon ping and I hope this growth industries The plan is to be finalised on 1
became a unitary authority last will allow Swindon and attracted busi- April and comments should be sent
year, taking more control over its Council more flex- nesses. to Cliff Garland at the borough's
own affairs, it was always going to ibility and control over its finances. Everyone understands the need policy unit by 23 March.
put strong transitional pressures I have also been urging the Gov- for redistribution, but if Swindon
on resources. ernment to give Swindon more was able to retain even a small
But instead of listening to the control over our business rates. additional percentage of what it Local candidates
council about this and responding The town has been very successful raises from the business rate, it The West Swindon Labour Party
to their arguments, the previous in extending its business base. As would be able to direct much more candidates for the local govern-
government simply ignored them. a result we raise nearly £70 million help to the parts of the town that ment elections in May will be:
New unitary authorities like Swin- from this rate. But we get back have not been able to share in the Richard Young, who presently
don were allowed the lowest in- only two-thirds of this amount, general prosperity. represents Central Ward, will run
creased in spending limits of any which is again sending the wrong It would also send a potent mes- for the Toothill ward (includes
class of authority. By comparison signals. sage about the rewards of virtue Westlea, Shaw and Roughmoor).
the Shire Districts were allowed Swindon is fortunate but it has and set an example to other local Chris Eley was selected for
nine times more. made its own luck. It was created authorities. Freshbrook ward which includes
This year's greater than average on the back of Brunei's great rail- Swindon has succeeded through Grange Park.
increase shows that the Labour ways works. When that industry its own efforts. We should see Nick Martin will contest Toothill
government has started listening began to decline, Swindon could more of the rewards. for the Conservatives.

3 ASDA Superstore
3 MARTINS Newsagents
FMILY 3 DIXONS Electrical Retailers
Motor Accessories
3 MOTORSAVE
3 ROSEBY'S Curtains & Bedding
SHOPPING 3 QS Familywear
3 CARLTON
Travel Agents
WORLD CHOICE
PR
WITH A SMILE! 3 T HE SPORTS Chemists
3
FACTORY Sportswear & Equipment
3 MR. MINIT Shoe repairs/Key cutting
3 CLARKS Shoes
3 THE BAGGAGE
Yes, shopping with the family can be fun - FACTORY Travel Goods
3 MORRISON &
especially at the West Swindon Shopping Centre MASTERS Solicitors
where you can visit all your favourite shops in an 3 BARRATTS SHOES Shoe Shop
all-weather, relaxing atmosphere. Take advantage of VJOHNSONS Dry Cleaners
our children's creche, places to eat, low priced 3 TAYLORS Estate Agents
3 NAT WEST BANK
petrol and free and secure parking - all on one level. 3 HK97 Chinese Take-away
3 DOMINO'S PIZZA
3 HOLMES Opticians
3 PARTNERS Hairdressing Salon
V VIDEO SOLENT
3 LADBROKES Turf Accountants
3 TRAWLERMAN Fish & Chips Takeaway
q 3 HARVESTER PUB
3 HALIFAX Building Society
WEST SWINDON SHOPPING CENTRE 3 DENTALPRACTICE
Tewkesbury Way, Swindon 3 RED BALLOON Restaurant