SWINDON Council has brought in consultants to work out why it gets a bad deal from Government.

The authority has also written to local government minister Nick Raynsford to complain about the settlement it gets to help pay for services.

Council leader Coun Mike Bawden wrote: "While I would welcome the additional funding for local government provided nationally, I am disappointed to see that Swindon again receives a lower increase (5.6 per cent) in formula grant when compared to the national average (6.2 per cent).

"We have already commissioned consultants to advise Swindon on why it achieves lower than average increases in settlements and have also had some initial discussions with our local MPs on this issue. We plan to undertake further work on these issues and will want to discuss this matter with your officials in due course."

The letter was sent on January 7.