SHADOW Chancellor Oliver Letwin heard first hand of the financial difficulties facing West Devon Borough Council when he visited the borough offices in Kilworthy Park, Tavistock.
Mr Letwin met council chief executive David Incoll and Conservative councillors. They told him of the council?s financial difficulties which could force a steep increase in council tax next year.
Mr Letwin said: ?This government is imposing many new duties on local councils and giving them no money with which to perform them.
?Big new responsibilities like licensing and civil contingencies will require the council tax payer to put his hand deep in his pocket.
?I pledge myself to do all I can in the House of Commons to support West Devon, and small rural councils, in persuading the Government to fund this additional load of work properly, and thus enable the council to charge a moderate council tax rise next year.?