Lib Dems call on Labour MP Andrew Smith to explain support for poor deal for Oxford City

2.06.00pm GMT Fri 8th Feb 2008

Liberal Democrats in Oxford East are calling on Andrew Smith to explain why he backed a cash settlement for Oxford City Council that is below the average rise given to other councils.

Mr Smith voted for the City to have a rise of only 1.6%, less than the average of 3.6%, and well below the rate of inflation.

The low rise in the amount of money from central government to help pay towards the City's costs will mean a tight year ahead for local services. The rise barely takes into account inflation and the additional costs of services the government requires councils to provide. It is a case of pay more and get less under Labour.

So it's remarkable that Mr Smith voted for this poor deal. Local residents and council tax payers are owed an explanation. The only party to vote against the council cash plans in Parliament and stand up for local residents were the Liberal Democrats.

In Oxford, too, the Lib Dems are putting forward a budget which puts people first, keeping Council Tax increases below inflation for the second year running, as our way of assisting the city's hard-pressed residents.