PLANS to cut grants to parish council’s in the Brentwood borough have been canned.

Council leader, Councillor Barry Aspinell, had previously announced that the grants given to the Parish Councils would be reduced to zero.

Conservative’s in the borough say that Mr Aspinell had blamed them for the cut, with him saying the policy was something the administration had inherited when the Tories left office.

Conservative Group Leader, Louise McKinlay said: "I am delighted that following pressure from us, Barry has had a change of heart. It is the right decision but that isn't the end of it.

“It is not and never has been, a policy of Brentwood Conservatives to cut all funding to the Parish Councils. They do some great work in the rural areas, addressing matters that in many cases, would fall back to the borough council if they didn't do it.

“Whilst greater financial independence would undoubtedly help to make them stronger, to cut off the financial lifeline completely would be unfair and counter productive."

Keith Parker, Conservative Spokesman for the Community, added: "The Leader has clearly backtracked, which is good news for the parishes but he needs to be upfront about making inaccurate claims that Conservatives were cutting the grants to zero, however much embarrassment that causes him.

“He cannot go round making statements which are simply false. He should do the right thing and clarify the position properly so as there is no misunderstanding, not attempt to push it on to someone else."