Dr Brian Iddon MP thanks the Government for listening

When the Government announced the new three year local government financial settlement at the beginning of December, I was delighted to see that the government had removed the gross injustices in social services funding so that help actually reaches the people who need it most. 

The Government had agreed a new funding formula based on need in 2005 but did not implement any changes at the time because it was felt that councils being overpaid would need time to adjust.  Clearly the government has agreed with us that the time for change has now arrived.

Members of Parliament, including myself, representing constituencies in member authorities of the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities outside London (SIGOMA) have been campaigning for the fair allocation of grants to local authorities based on need particularly on the children’s and younger adults’ social services. 

I should publicly like to thank the Secretary of State Hazel Blears MP and Local Government Minister John Healey MP for their courage and commitment to social justice in taking on board our representations and fully implementing the new evidence-based funding formula.

This decision will no doubt be severely criticised by many of the previously over-funded wealthy London Boroughs but there can be no argument that this is the right decision and with the extra £6 million available in Bolton it is one that will enable our local council to deliver the first class services that our community deserves.