THE leader of Waltham Forest Council has condemmed plans by the coalition Government to cut funding for local authorities.

Chancellor George Osborne and Chief Secretary to the Treasury David Laws announced planned savings of £6.2bn of savings - including £1.165bn of cuts to be made in local government.

Councillor Chris Robbins said the cuts left local councils "footing the bill" and highlighted savings Waltham Forest Council has already made over the past three years.

He said: "It is staggering local government and the vital services we provide will have to deliver such a huge proportion of the Government’s savings.

"It leaves councils that provide vital frontline services footing the bill whilst Whitehall lag way behind us in delivering their own savings.

"Waltham Forest has taken a leading role in making services more efficient having already saved £29 million in the last three years."

Mr Robbins warned there were tougher times ahead and said he would call on councillors and MPs from all political parties to fight to protect services for residents.

He said: "These are worrying times for local residents.

"With some estimates pointing to a 20 per cent reduction in the funding available to us, there are much tougher times ahead.

"I’m going to work hard to protect the services that matter most to residents and to keep Council Tax as low as possible, as I know many families are already struggling to make ends meet.

"I am absolutely committed to protecting vital council services and I will be calling on elected councillors and MP’s from all political parties in Waltham Forest to stand with me in fighting for a fair deal for local people."

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