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£73m more for London's transport

26th January 1985
Page 24
Page 24, 26th January 1985 — £73m more for London's transport
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

THE CM January 5 edition refers to the new rating arrangements for London Regional Transport, coming to the conclusion that "Overall the ratepayers in London were having to find £50 million less than this year."

Allow me to put the record straight. The Secretary of State's plans for LRT in 1985/86 will mean a 35 per cent increase for London's ratepayers over last year's GLC precept for London Transport.

It is true that overall the revenue costs are lower, but what you fail to report, or Mr Ridley fails to mention in his press release, is that for the first time ratepayers will be paying directly for all of LRT's capital expenditure as well as revenue grants. And, because the Government refused to write-off, or take responsibility for, London Transport's capital debt when it took over LT, the GLC will have to ask the ratepayers for a further £69 million to pay off these outstanding debts.

Totalled up, the ratepayer will pay £281 million in 1985/86 compared with £208 million last year. A 35 per cent increase, which coupled with a two per cent service cut and a 9 per cent fares increase does not augur well for London Transport's passengers and London's ratepayers in the future.

NICK LESTER Public Transport Campaign Unit Greater London Council


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