10/03/08 - Swindon Short Changed By Labour (Again!), Cllr Russell Holland

Swindon misses out under Labour Government

Despite all the spin about increased funding for services, the reality is that Swindon is missing out.  Government figures reveal that behind the headlines the reality is that of the increased funding Swindon is not getting a fair deal. 

Education

Department of Education figures reveal that Swindon will receive almost £300 less per pupil to spend on education than the average for England.  While Swindon receives £3,775 guaranteed funding per pupil, Bristol will receive £4,366 and London Boroughs will receive up to £7,362.

Homelessness

Swindon Borough Council is missing out on its fair share of funding to help the homeless.  Of a £50 million fund which sees Bristol City Council receive £760,000 and Oxford City Council £604,000, Swindon will only get £58,000.  As at June 2007 Swindon had 688 families in temporary accommodation while Bristol had 438. 

Working Neighbourhoods Fund

Of £464 million fund the Government says is “for local councils and communities to develop more concentrated, concerted, community-led approaches to getting people in the most deprived areas of England back to work.” Swindon will receive a grand total of nothing, despite parts of Swindon being among the most deprived in England.

Tackling Anti Social Behaviour

Labour announced a new fund of £13 million to help tackle anti social behaviour.  Beverley Hughes, Minister for Children, Young People and Families, said: “Communities need to see that antisocial behaviour and crime is dealt with when and where it happened.”  But not in Swindon, as the Council is not even allowed to bid for these funds!

Play Equipment for Children

Labour announced a new fund of £255 million to provide outdoor play areas for children.  Ed Balls, says “Children need places which allow them to meet their friends and have fun - being able to burn off their energy in unstructured play is an important part of maintaining a healthy weight and life. That is why we’re making such a big commitment to invest in outdoor play facilities for children.”  But not in Swindon, as once again Labour won’t even let the Council ask for a share!

Cllr Russell Holland, Stratton St. Margaret Ward, "I have being doing a lot of research on Government funding and I am horrified that time and time again it is crystal clear Swindon is being short changed by the Labour Government."

Cllr Justin Tomlinson, Prospective MP - Swindon North, "It is essential that the MP's do everything in their power to deliver a fail deal for Swindon residents.  If I am elected I will not be interested in excused - I will demand action.  We as local residents deserve to be treated fairly."