26.11.2009

Wallasey Tories continue to publish distortions wrapped up in tired, entirely fictitious, claims of   “secret” plans.  They must think the general public in Wallasey are truly gullible if they want them to believe that sort of vulgar scaremongering. 

Sadly we are used to it, so once more we must set out what the truth is.  But aren’t the Wallasey Tories utterly silly with their propaganda to keep on giving us opportunities to expose their distortions?  It can’t do their credibility any favours to keep on being publicly corrected.

So, contrary to the Tory propaganda claims, here’s the truth:

• There are no plans, secret or otherwise, to cut Sure Start funding.  The Tories know that as well as anyone. 
• No Sure Start Centre has had any funding reduced.
• No future plans are threatened in any way – at least not as long as there is a strong Labour voice to prevent it.
•  The LABOUR government created Sure Start.  It provided full year funding for the second phase of new Children Centres.
• Any funding left over in that year because the agreed timescale meant new buildings were completed part way through the year, or the full complement of staff were only appointed part way through the year, has been used to fund other activities for under 5s.
• These other activities for under 5s are also eligible for Sure Start grant – as the Tories know very well – even while they are peddling their distortions.
• The saving occurs because the Council has been able to use outstanding Sure Start grant in that year for activities for which it would otherwise have had to find additional funding for from within its own budget.

Contrast this prudent and well planned support for Sure Start on Wirral with the national Conservative position – where Sure Start has been deliberately targeted for cuts and where Tory plans could mean almost one in five Sure Start centres across the country closing.

If a Conservative government were elected nationally then for Wirral it could mean the closure of up to 4 Sure Start Centres.

Can you ever believe a word the Tories say?