News from Westminster Labour

Westminster Conservatives’ economic recovery plan is a “con trick”

Labour Councillors say that Westminster’s so-called £100 million ‘economic recovery programme’ is nothing more than a re-hash of existing programmes which have already been agreed and has nothing to do with helping businesses or families through the current economic difficulties.

Labour say that the so-called ‘economic recovery programme’ includes £98.5m of existing approved schemes in the 2009/10 revenue budget and capital programme and around £8m out of the discretionary bids provisionally agreed by informal Cabinet on 25 September, making a total of £106.3m.

In addition, the plan includes £250,000 for promoting the West End shops but this includes a £200,000 contribution towards the cost of the West End live event, which happened in the summer, and £50,000 on West End Christmas promotional activities which were agreed many months ago.

Westminster Conservatives’ economic competence is already in shreds following decisions to put £17 million of Council Tax payers money at risk through investing in now-failed Icelandic banks.

Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Leader of the Labour Group, said;

“Westminster Conservatives have set out to deliberately misinform the public and local businesses. The Conservatives have portrayed their ‘economic recovery programme’ as a response to the current global economic situation. But it is a con trick. There is no £100 million ‘economic recovery plan’. The money is part of the Council’s mainstream expenditure which would have happened anyway. It is all spin. It is a complete fabrication.”

Other news from Westminster Labour

• Labour calls for inquiry into Westbourne Terrace housing failures - 9 March 2010
• Labour unveils a green agenda for Westminster - 8 March 2010
• Labour to cut Council waste to help Westminster's voluntary groups - 5 March 2010