Call on Conservative MPs to explain failure to oppose poor deal for Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council.

LIBERAL Democrats in Hinckley & Bosworth are calling on local MPs David Tredinnick and Stephen Dorrell to explain why they sat on the fence when a cash settlement for Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council that is below the average rise given to other councils was agreed by the House of Commons.

David Tredinnick and Stephen Dorrell abstained rather than voted against the proposal for Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council to have a rise of only 2.9%, less than the average of 3.6%.

"The low rise in the amount of money from central government to help pay towards Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council costs will mean a tight year ahead for local services," said local Lib Dem Chairman Cllr Stuart Bray. "The rise barely takes into account inflation and the additional costs of services the government requires councils to provide.

"The end result is that councils are being forced to increase council tax above inflation and cut services. It is a case of pay more and get less under Labour.

"So I find it remarkable that David Tredinnick and Stephen Dorrell failed to oppose this poor deal and make a stand for Hinckley & Bosworth. Local residents and council tax payers are owed an explanation.

"It seems that the Conservatives are failing to mount a strong challenge to the Labour government and are content to sit back and let Gordon Brown's Labour government get on with things. The only party to vote against the council cash plans in Parliament and stand up for local residents were the Liberal Democrats."