Glass half full or half empty?

The Department of Communities and Local Government is giving Cornwall Council £294,240 as a reward for meeting various "targets" set by the previous government. But before they quaff too much champagne up at County Hall I should point out that this is only half of what the council is actually entitled to. DCLG minister Bob Neil said:

"The reward grant being paid today is for agreements made before June 2008 and is being paid at a 50 per cent reduction. In making these payments in this way the Government has struck a balance between the urgent need to cut the national deficit and secure economic recovery, whilst also recognising the achievements of councils and their partners who have worked together for their area."

Cornwall is one of 81 councils to get the "Performance Reward Grant" - which from today is abolished.