Written 19/07/05

South Cambridgeshire District Council's challenge to the Government's absurd capping decision has suffered a setback in the High Court today.

Mr Justice Stanley Burton was not persuaded by the application for a Judicial Review of the Deputy Prime Minister's intention to cap the District Council by £2.6 million.

Efforts will continue to persuade local MPs and others to vote against the capping Order when it comes before Parliament tomorrow.

Councillor Sebastian Kindersley, leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council said, "The Council is overwhelmingly disappointed. The ODPM's decision is completely absurd. The Council's budget is not excessive. Three in four local authorities spent more per resident than SCDC last year. Our spending this year is only 6.2% more. Our council tax is still below the national average.

"When the Government is cutting our budget by a fifth, but still expecting the Council to prepare for a 33% growth in the District's population over the next decade, you don't need to be an expert to see that the figures will not stack up.

"Our first thoughts are for our residents. Local services will certainly suffer and local people will loose out. We are also concerned for our hardworking and dedicated staff. Overall, today's decision comes as a body blow for the District, which does not deserve it. This is a black day for South Cambridgeshire."

A more detailed release will be available following the vote on the Parliamentary Order tomorrow.

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