Carlos Cortiglia (Letters, March 27) rightly condemns decades of Labour's financial mismanagement in Lambeth.

However, to expect the new administration to remedy these historical problems is unrealistic and unfair. There are three main reasons why Lambeth's council tax has increased considerably this year.

Firstly, Lambeth also collects tax on behalf of the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone. This year the mayor has increased his part of the council tax bill by 29 per cent. Lambeth Council has no control over this element of the tax.

Secondly, Lambeth relies on Government grants and council tax receipts to pay for the services we provide and manage the legacy of colossal debt.

Aside from education, our Government grant rose by less than inflation, while those in the Midlands and the North soared.

To bridge this gap we are faced with two choices, service cuts or higher council tax.

Thirdly, there are reasons unique to Lambeth.

When the joint administration was elected in May last year it inherited a number of serious financial problems, some dating back many years.

The joint administration is determined that having had to increase Lambeth's council tax by so much, in the future the council delivers competent, reliable, efficient and quality services.

Progress is already being made in council tax collection, reducing missed rubbish collections and repairing the borough's roads and pavements.

Labour even failed to set an alternative budget after officers would not authorise its "accountancy methods" as legal, despite grandiose claims that it could trim £50 from the bill.

I ask Mr Cortiglia to have faith and beware of any politician who promises miracles.

Lambeth under Labour provided the borough with the worst services in the country, bar one, according to Government auditors.

The new administrations' task is to provide Lambeth residents with a better deal.

COUN JOHN WHELAN

Deputy Leader of Lambeth

Council

Member for Thurlow Park Ward

April 30, 2003 11:00