David Ruffley MP today launched a strong attack on plans for a new tier of regional politicians across England. The Government has announced a costly 'information campaign' across the North West, North East and Yorkshire & Humberside to sell the case for creating elected regional assemblies. Other regions may follow, depending on the results of regional referendums in those regions in autumn 2004.

David said: 'England already has enough politicians. Suffolk should say 'no' to more high tax, high maintenance politicians. Public services across the East of England won't improve by creating yet more politicians and fiddling with the tiers of local government. It won't mean a single extra doctor, teacher or police officer.

'Regional assemblies will involve an expensive and complex restructuring of local government, costing up to £2 billion. On top of this, the administrative cost of a regional assembly in the East of England could be up to £45,614,449 a year. In London, the regional assembly now charges a regional council tax of £224 a year on Band D bills. A regional assembly in the East of England would have similar powers to hike up council tax.

'Ultimately, Labour and Liberal Democrat plans for creating new regional politicians will take power away from local communities- such as over planning, transport and housing. New developments- like sprawling housing estates, noisy concrete roads or towering incinerators could be imposed on the East of England irrespective of local wishes.'