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.  ” 

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.

I said 16 months ago that this has the opportunity to be the real deal and have with the exception of the future of theatre provision in the Town supported this project whole-heartily. I am 41 years old and have lived here all of my life and have been waiting for the big bang all of this time. Bognor Regis is full of potential if only it was developed right. Our two prime assets, the Regis centre site and Hothampton, both are under threat with no real kick start for the Town. The latest proposals simply do not add anything to the Town apart from a bowling alley and a new health centre. Both badly needed but they will not regenerate the Town alone. A multi purpose entertainment centre sounds great until you look into the real impact, this will sound the death knell for the picture dome and without any guarantee that the new centre will be better than the Hotham Arts Centre. As for the tower at Fitzleet one is tempted to invite Prince Charles to comment, monstrosity and carbuncle do not seem to cover this issue.  

I was particularly disappointed with Cllr Fyfe, at the recent Town Council meeting; he seemed to want a political fight. Whilst I would happily debate Lib Dem national policy with him on a public platform this was neither the time nor the place. This is the type of behaviour we have come to expect from Westminster politicians not local elected councillors, who are here to represent the interests of the Town. We have one opportunity to get this right, I am happy to work with anyone regardless of political views to get it right. I want to see a development constructed on terms that suit Bognor Regis residents not the fat profits of developers. 

If this is truly consultation St Modwen will take on board the wide range of criticism coming from local residents and come back with far reaching proposals that reflect the views of local people. It is also worth pointing out that no local member democratically elected to represent Bognor Regis has had any input into these proposals before the public were asked. When final decisions are made it will be Councillors outside of the town holding the sway and influence. By the time it comes to planning it will be too late as the application has to be judged against planning law and merits. I would urge all residents of Bognor Regis make your view known now before it’s too late to influence change.