Call on Conservative MP to explain failure to oppose poor deal for Solihull Council

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 12th Feb 2008

Liberal Democrats in Solihull are calling on Meriden MP, Caroline Spelman to explain why she sat on the fence when a cash settlement for Solihull, the lowest increase given to any West Midlands Metropolitan or City Council, was agreed by the House of Commons.

Mrs Spelman abstained rather than vote against the proposal for Solihull Council to have a rise of only 2%, whereas Birmingham received more than double at 4.9% and Sandwell a whopping 6%.

"The low rise in the amount of money from central government to help pay towards Solihull's costs will mean a tight year ahead for local services," said Councillor Maggie Allen. "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 Caroline Spelman failed to oppose this poor deal and make a stand for Solihull. Local residents and council tax payers are owed an explanation."

Lorely Burt MP said:

"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."