Newsdesk
NEEDED
11th April 2003The Chancellor's latest Budget lacked adequate measures to improve the Government's poor environmental record. Local Government in East Kent needs the authority to act according to local circumstances. However, the Government continues to withhold resources best spent at local level. Hazel Dawe comments:
"This Budget was an opportunity for the Chancellor to remove public debt by using green taxes to protect the environment. It was also a chance to allow Local Government to have a bigger share of public spending to address local needs. Staffing in East Kent's local authorities is not generally enough to meet requirements, including achieving targets for meeting housing needs, recycling, preparing and developing cycling and walking networks. We needed a Budget for hope and we have one instead that does not even deal with Government debt.
"Most economic commentators agree that public debt is likely to increase rapidly. Major infrastructure projects, such as building hospitals, are now funded by Private Finance Initiative or Public-Private Partnership deals, where private companies borrow the money but the public pay the debts. This is more expensive than when the Chancellor takes on debt on our behalf. It has the same consequence as when we take on debts for ourselves: ultimately we will all end up paying the interest on the loan as well as the loan itself, so our public services will cost more in future.
"There is a danger with East Kent's growing population that the demands on our public services will continue to grow. If this pressure creates the perception of failure it may increase calls for private sector involvement. After the railways fiasco, it is clear that we need to keep public services public and give them the funds they need."
Further Information: Hazel Dawe, Campaigns Officer for East Kent Green Party on 01233 645167. Contact address: 10 Hillbrow Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 4QH
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