I NOTE from the minutes of Swindon Council's scrutiny commission meeting on February 8 that Garry Perkins (Tory) of Okebourne Park, Swindon, commented that despite successive council tax increases the standard of council services remained in decline.

By way of example he referred to the proposed level of spending on schools and the likely 'funding gap' between the proposed budget provision and the Secretary of State's Section 52 Statement target and suggested this indicated a lack of commitment to improving Swindon's education services.

He was wrong on both points. The Labour budget provided the full £6.1 million to education services as contained in the Section 52 Statement. Additionally his so-called concern with regard to spending for schools is shallow and inconsistent with his own party's position in the past on education. However, what is more alarming, is the proposed Tory cut of 20 per cent in education and all other services that the Tory leader, Ian Duncan-Smith is promising if the Tories win the next General Election.

May I also remind readers that in March 2002, when Mr Perkins was a councillor, he did not support the extra £6 million that education received from the 2002/03 budget.

Contrary to what Mr Perkins says, his own Government's education funding increased by only £2 billion (6.2 per cent) in their last four years in power. The Labour Government has increased education funding nationally by £21 billion (38 per cent) since 1997 with Swindon's education budget receiving a £31 million (51 per cent) increase since 1997/98.

Coun Peter Brown

White Edge Moor

Liden

Swindon