Further Lyons delay will raise suspicions - Brake

12.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 7th Dec 2006

Tom Brake MP

Responding to news that Sir Michael Lyons' inquiry into the financing of local government has been extended to consider recently published Government reports on transport, skills and planning, Liberal Democrat Local Government Spokesperson, Tom Brake MP said:

"This further delay will lead to the absurd situation of Parliament debating a Local Government Bill without knowing the fundamental basis of how local government will be funded.

"Where was the joined-up government in predicting that Michael Lyons would need to consider these key reports? There will be suspicions that the Government is putting off this vital report for as long as possible to avoid political embarrassment.

"Town halls should be given more powers to raise revenue locally from fair taxes based on the ability to pay. Instead the Government is keeping local government waiting with their piecemeal programme of reform."