Tough-talking MP Angela Smith has started talks with ministerial colleagues to get a better cash settlement for Basildon Council.

Mrs Smith spoke after the council was handed just a 2.2 per cent increase in its grant this year, followed by a £99,000 handout from Chancellor Gordon Brown in his pre-budget statement.

The council's total budget is £23million and Government support is way below this figure.

Mrs Smith said: "I have made it clear we need some extra money.

"I have been speaking with ministers quite intensely pushing the need for additional resources."

However, Tory Basildon Council leader Malcolm Buckley said: "It's about time Mrs Smith launched a battle for Basildon."

He added: "We have been cash strapped for donkey's years which is much due to Labour overspending in the 70s and 80s.

"We have a budget lower than ten years ago, with the Government continuing to impose additional duties and not properly finance them."

John Baron, MP for Billericay and district, has written to John Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister, complaining about the small increase.

Published Tuesday December 16, 2003

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