DESPITE making an appeal direct to central Government, South Cambridgeshire District Council has been told it is not going to get any extra money. SCDC sent a message of fairer funding to the Government after it announced the proposed funding settlement i

DESPITE making an appeal direct to central Government, South Cambridgeshire District Council has been told it is not going to get any extra money.

SCDC sent a message of fairer funding to the Government after it announced the proposed funding settlement in December.

Councillor Ray Manning, leader of SCDC, said: "Minister for local government, John Healey MP, took the time to listen to our case and consider the very strong points we made about South Cambridgeshire's unique position.

"However, we have heard that we are not to receive any improvement on the very low settlement proposed last year.

"As the settlement doesn't even meet inflation levels, this leaves us with some difficult decisions to make. We will, however, do all we can to protect services for our residents."

SCDC told the Government that if proper investment in community and social development is not made now, it will have a significant detrimental impact on future communities.

The Government's funding settlement gives figures for the next three years. In cash terms this amounts to an increase of £29million for next year, £39million for 2009/10 and £74million for 2010/11, all of which are said to be below inflation.

Cllr Manning added: "With the tenth lowest shire district council tax in the country, and a provisional funding settlement of below inflation, it's difficult to see how we can make it add up."

The council's cabinet will meet on February 18 to consider the way forward.