A month ahead of the Autumn Statement, new analysis from Stratford on Avon Labour reveals the devastating cut in government funding to Stratford on Avon under the Conservatives.

In 2010, under Labour, Stratford on Avon received £6.35M a year in government funding for local services – the equivalent of £9.26M in today’s prices. Yet today, after years of cuts – and the devastating inflation brought on when the Conservatives crashed the British economy – we receive just £2.56M, a cut of 72%

Even after the Conservatives have forced up council tax in our Stratford on Avon by 44%, that still leaves Stratford on Avon with a total spending power reduction of 14% – whilst at the same time, places like Wokingham in the South East have been cut by just 2%.

Publishing the figures, Labour’s Cllr Andrew Foster has written to the Chancellor ahead of the Autumn Statement to demand a fair deal for Stratford on Avon. The text of the letter is repeated below.

Dear Jeremy,

Under the Conservatives Stratford on Avon has taken a battering. Low growth, stagnant wages, high prices and failing public services have been the story of the last 13 years. Over the last 12 months, the inflation your party unleashed with the reckless mini-budget has deepened the cost of living crisis, pushing many Stratford on Avon families beyond breaking point.

Yet still, the Conservative Party refuses to give Stratford on Avon a fair deal. New analysis reveals the staggering cuts successive Tory chancellors have inflicted in Stratford on Avon.

In 2010, under Labour, Stratford on Avon received £6.35M a year – the equivalent of £9.26M today. Today we receive just £2.56M, a cut of 72%

Even as the Conservatives have forced up council tax by 44%, we still face a spending power reduction of 14% – whilst at the same time, Wokingham in the South East has been cut by just 2%.

Stratford on Avon is a proud District, and we have no problem standing on our own two feet – but you are cutting us off at the knees.

In the light of these figures, you must now offer a fair deal for Stratford on Avon. Our District must not be hit harder than other parts of the country.

I look forward to your reply – and a fair deal for Stratford on Avon.

Yours,

Cllr Andrew Foster