I've just had this in from Frederick Forsythe, the author - it makes interesting reading
It does seem odd that we are having these cuts (and we all know why), but some without common sense - overseas aid for one and EU contributions being the other.
Here is the piece - do follow the link.
From: Frederick Forsyth CBE[SMTP:INFO@PUBLIC-SECTOR.CO.UK]
Sent: 01 February 2011 16:05:06
To: Cllr Roger Walkden
Subject: Less money to Local Councils, more money to the EU
Auto forwarded by a Rule
It is extraordinary, at a time when every local council is facing cuts, that Britain's net contribution to the EU budget should be rising by 60 per cent over two years. When local and national governments around the EU are making economies, the Brussels institutions should not be exempt.
Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors in Medway have just passed a motion urging their three local MPs to oppose any increase in the EU budget. We hope you will urge your council to move a similar resolution.
If you are interested in tabling such a motion, please email us at
info@directdemocracyuk.com or visit
www.directdemocracyuk.com.
With best wishes,
Frederick Forsyth CBE
Daniel Hannan MEP (Conservative)
John Cryer MP (Labour)
Jenny Jones AM (Green)
TEXT OF MEDWAY COUNCIL'S RESOLUTION, UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED ON 13 JANUARY
"The Council notes, with indignation, that whilst Medway is facing a massive 11.9% reduction in its financial settlement in 2011/12, the UK 's contribution to the European Union (EU) is set to rise by 60% over two years.
This Council notes that, despite the opposition of some Conservative MPs, and Labour and Conservative MEPs, it is likely that the government will agree to a further 2.9% increase in the overall EU budget.
This Council believes the EU should be treated the same as the other tiers of government and in these austere times should share responsibility, along with central and local government, for public spending reductions. Sharing the burden would result in less severe cuts for local authorities, and give more assistance to councils to protect front line services.
This Council therefore urges Medway's three MPs not to support an increase in the EU budget.
Info@directdemocracyuk.com or visit
www.directdemocracyuk.com"
I hope our other MPs in Kent (including Charlie) are taking notice of this.
Roger