At last night’s (Tuesday 15th October) crucial debate in the House of
Commons on local government finance, Michael Fabricant asked Nick Raynsford
MP, the Minister for local government, "Will the Minister give an assurance
that counties such as Staffordshire will be no worse off than they are at
present – and believe me, they are pretty badly off now?" In replying,
the Minister said that no county will be worse off in cash terms than at
present, but "We do not expect to please everyone". Under further
sustained questioning, the Minister revealed that no account will be taken
of inflation to protect counties from cuts.

Michael Fabricant now says: "With local government inflation running
around 4%, this could mean real cuts in Staffordshire’s funding. This will
have dire consequences on the future funding of Staffordshire schools which
are already under pressure. Staffordshire Police too will feel the pinch.

"It is imperative that the huge gap between the best funded and worse funded
counties is narrowed. At present, it looks as if Staffordshire will
continue to languish at the bottom of the league with the rich counties
getting richer and our own getting poorer. However, I am pleased that some,
though by no means all, Staffordshire Labour MPs are joining me in opposing
this unfair situation which is grossly unfair to our local children in the
education system."