'Disappointment' as WNDC pot cut by more than £5 million
Government plans to slash more than £5million from the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation's budget have puzzled and angered members of the development group.
The WNDC was set up to push forward the expansion of Northampton, Daventry and Towcester and lead the way on the Government's plans to build thousands of new houses across the area.
But papers published by the authority yesterday have revealed the Government is considering cutting the WNDC's funding pot of more than 12 million to just over 7 million next year.
The Government has said the 43 per cent cut is needed because of the global recession and because of a need to "re-focus Government spending programmes".
But the plan has been attacked by members of the WNDC's board, including Councillor Chris Millar (Con, Brixworth), who is also a member of Northamptonshire County Council.
He said: "The whole way they've gone about it just seems arbitrary.
"I realise they've got to make cuts, but I just can't see why they're taking this approach.
"It will make it a lot more difficult for the WNDC to do its job and personally, I see it as a real disappointment.
"After all, if the Government wants us to do a job they must give us the tools to do it or else it just doesn't make sense."
Since it was created, the WNDC has used its cash to help fund projects including new roads, flood defences and the redevelopment of Gold Street.
The proposed funding cut would see the amount of cash the WNDC is given during 2010/11 cut from a proposed 12,484,028 to 7,065,393.
Documents which will be put before the WNDC's board next week will suggest the organisation should lobby the Government to reduce the cut.
The group's deputy chief executive, Roger Mendonca, said: "The Government has not yet made a final decision on our growth area funding allocation for 2010/11. However, we are submitting a response to their consultation on a lower allocation and will aim to secure the best deal possible for the existing and future residents of Northampton, Daventry and Towcester."
Since the WNDC was set up, it has invested about 60 million in infrastructure projects and has also secured almost 140 million from the public and private sector.
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