MATT Rodda MP took a firm stance on a lack of funding from central government in a recent Commons debate.

The Labour MP for Reading East berated the dwindling pot of money available to authorities across the country and said cuts to vital services were made simply to balance the books.

The debate, put forward by Andrew Gwynne MP, focussed on whether local government has 'severely suffered as a result of almost eight years of brutal and devastating cuts.'

Grants from central government to local councils have been cut by nearly 50 per cent since 2010, with funding for Reading cut by nearly £58 million.

Mr Rodda said: "In 2010, the council was relatively well supported by central government, but after 2020 it is looking forward to a future with no central government grant whatever.

"I am sure all members are concerned about the fact that the government have no long-term funding plan for local authorities.

"There is absolutely no clarity about how local government will be funded when the four-yeardeal runs out in March 2020, just two years from now.

"While government funding has fallen, the cost of providing services has risen and continues to rise. Reading Borough Council has a strong track record of maintaining necessary services for residents.

"Unlike neighbouring Conservative-run West Berkshire Council, it has kept all its libraries open. It has maintained award-winning parks and a council-owned theatre, as well as a wide range of the vital frontline services that ensure vulnerable children, adults and families are protected.

"However, like many councils throughout the country which have a statutory duty to provide adult and children's social care, Reading is forced to make cuts to other services just to balance the books.

"Local people rely on and expect councils to be able to provide a wide range of high-quality public services, including services for the elderly and for children and care for vulnerable adults.”