Liberal Democrats in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton have attacked Government offers to compensate low income earners losing out under tax changes as “vague promises of jam tomorrow”. 

The doubling of the 10p income tax starter rate was announced last year but was put into operation at the start of April after Labour MPs voted for it in March. Since then, Labour MPs have suffered a backlash from low income people whose tax rates were doubled by Gordon Brown. 

“Thousands of residents of Bognor Regis and Littlehampton have been hit hard by Labour’s decision to double the 10p income tax starter rate,” said Simon McDougall Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate “Labour MPs, having only just voted to put this tax rise into operation, suddenly started shouting about how terrible it was. 

“It is disappointing that they have caved in and agreed to back the Government’s last minute offer of vague promises of compensation. All that is on offer is jam tomorrow. There are no details of how the compensation scheme will work. 

“Having previously been told there was no money in the kitty to reverse the tax rise, the Government has failed to explain how they will pay for the compensation scheme. 

“And as is so often the case with this government, we should believe it when it happens. In the meantime, those on low incomes in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton continue to lose out whilst Gordon Brown’s tax rises bite into pay packets and pensions. 

“It is staggering that in the same week as vague concessions for some of the lowest paid people in the country were dragged out of the Government, Gordon Brown’s door to Downing Street was wide open for bankers to visit him and successfully argue for £50 billion bailout from the taxpayer to keep the banking system afloat. 

“There is something seriously wrong when a Labour Government turns its back on ordinary people. We have 4 Council wards in multiple deprivation and are amongst the lowest earners in West Sussex ,with rising fuel bills, council tax bills and below inflation pay rises this is another hammer blow local people can ill afford.  ” 

Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton Simon McDougall has slammed the recommendations for St Richard’s Hospital for ignoring public opinion and turning the hospital into a glorified satellite centre for Worthing. Commenting on the proposals Mr McDougall said” Local residents need to wake up to the reality of these proposals and what they mean to those who are pregnant, serious injured, seriously ill or have children with long term health problems. They will in the longer term need to go to either Worthing or Portsmouth for emergency treatment. This situation is unacceptable and will undoubtedly put lives at risk” 

The proposals to make Worthing the only major general hospital in west Sussex are due to be ratified by the PCT on Wednesday 4^th June. Mr McDougall went on to say “ With a growing population and a totally ineffective road network  the revelation that blue light times were not a material consideration in the final decision is in my view bordering on negligence. No matter what way these proposals are window dressed they can not get away from the fact that journey times will be longer and potentially lives will be put at risk. The A27 is not likely to see any improvements in the near future and anybody with a knowledge of local geography can tell the PCT these services will not work unless the A27 and the A259 are upgraded  to meet the demands of the new service provision”.

Following the stakeholders meeting held at BRCC the future provision of Youth services at the school has fallen under the microscope. Concern was raised at the previous meeting 6 months ago by County Councillor Simon McDougall as to the future arrangements when it became clear that the current building used by the service is earmarked for demolition this summer as part of the set up works for the new BRCC building due to start in October this year.  

Commenting on the situation Cllr McDougall said” I have had several meetings with County officer’s and local Youth Workers to provide a temporary arrangement and look at a long term arrangement for the future provision of the Youth Wing. I have also written to the cabinet member for Children and young people services outlining my concerns.  I was absolutely amazed to go to this meeting to find we are facing a funding shortfall as well as no where near guaranteeing that a temporary solution is in place.” 

It is estimated that a multi-purpose building that will house Youth and early years provision would cost in the region of £750,000 to provide onsite. The situation is not clear if it is lack of government funding that has lead to the shortfall or lack of available funds at the County Council. The County Council at the moment has identified potential funding to the tune of £350,000.  

Cllr McDougall said “The community was told that this project would lead to an all life learning process. I take that to mean extended school provision facilities as well as early learning year’s provision and other community use. I am deeply concerned that the County Council is taking its time to make temporary and secure long term provision for both Youth and early years learning. The Youth wing has an average attendance of 600 plus youths per month and on a Friday evening this can be as high as 130 Youths in one evening. They are clearly enjoying the environment provided for them and not roaming the streets and drawing attention to the police. This is a success and needs to continue. There is also a young mother’s group that meets weekly to address their needs and the excellent Bridge project which deals with young people on the verge of exclusion is also housed within the Youth Wing Building. Pevensey is one of the most deprived wards in West Sussex and this situation which could be avoided does not help to the continuation of these services that go along way to addressing deprivation issues.