Reading Borough Conservatives have attacked Labour for their claims that the Government has cut Reading’s grant funding more than neighbouring Wokingham. Labour Leader Cllr Jo Lovelock has repeatedly claimed that Reading has suffered worse cuts from central government than Wokingham and these claims have been repeated in Labour leaflets. However, the facts show that not only is Reading’s formula grant more than two and a half times that received by Wokingham but that despite having a larger population, Conservative-run Wokingham has suffered a bigger percentage cut than Reading.
Wokingham has consistently received one of the smallest grants in the country from central government, leaving a larger share of its budget to be taken from local Council Tax payers. A Reading resident receives £326 (50.266m/154200) from central government whereas a Wokingham resident receives just £112 (18.240m/163200).
Conservative finance spokesman Cllr David Stevens said, “These figures have finally blown the lid off Labour’s smoke and mirrors economics. Reading rightly receives a much larger grant from central government than Wokingham, due to the respective levels of local need. However, it is worth noting that despite Reading being led by a minority Labour administration we have seen a smaller percentage cut in our much larger grant than Conservative controlled Wokingham.”
Group Leader Cllr Tim Harris said, “These are very difficult times which call for honesty with the public when making tough decisions. It is imperative the public have both complete transparency and confidence in the controlling administration. Reading is a very different borough to Wokingham, with very different funding requirements, so regular comparisons are not helpful. In spite of the regular spin trotted out at council meetings and press releases, it's clear from these figures that Reading gets significantly more funding, and had a smaller cut. Our group will continue both highlight inconsistencies such as this and lobby central government to maximise the funding available to our Borough.”
In 2011/12 Reading received formula grant of £55.481m (plus Council Tax freeze grant), whereas in 2012/13 the Council will receive £50.266m (plus Council Tax freeze grant). This constitutes a reduction of 9.4%.
In 2011/12 Wokingham received formula grant of £20.357m (plus Council Tax freeze grant), whereas in 2012/13 the Council will receive £18.240m (plus Council Tax freeze grant). This constitutes a reduction of 10.4%.
Reading Borough has a population of 154,200 (2010)
Wokingham Borough has a population of 163,200 (2010)
(Source ONS)