Local authority funds - Rise smacks of election gimmick

The expected announcement tomorrow by Environment Minister Martin Cullen that €700 million will be allocated next year to the Local Government Fund will be warmly welcomed, especially by city and county managers, but the public should beware.

Sources in the minister’s department contend that the increase in funding will alleviate concerns about the likely shortfall in funds to cover pay awards, especially benchmarking.

“I am satisfied that increases in Local Government Fund grants will make an appropriate and fair contribution to meeting the increased costs of local authorities, including staffing costs, in 2004,” Mr Cullen explained during the Budget debate last week.