or
Eric Pickles has attacked the Government for dithering over guarantees for council deposits in Icelandic banks.
Many councils have money on deposit in Icelandic banks – and Eric, the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, warned:
"Councils have literally billions on deposit. If they now all panic, pull their money out in the safest option like Government bonds, there will be adverse consequences.”
He stressed that a lower rate of return from investments will increase pressure on council tax bills in April.
And he called on Alistair Darling to “provide reassurance" to the public that they won't see their council tax bills rise or local services cut as a result of this crisis.
Eric is the MP for Brentwood & Ongar and Chairman of the Conservative Party.
To see the video player you need to have javascript enabled and the latest version of Flash. Get Adobe Flash Player here.
Our new Party Political Broadcast contains details of a significant new policy that will help local residents protect community assets from closure.
To see the video scrollers you need to have javascript enabled and the latest version of Flash. Get Adobe Flash Player here.
Promoted by Alan Mabbutt on behalf of the Conservative Party, both at 30 Millbank, London, SW1P 4DP