A CAMPAIGN to get the Government to use the latest census information in calculating the amount of grant Kent should get for services came before the Houses of Parliament today.

If the 2001 census was used, showing a population increase for Kent of 123,000, the county would get up to an extra £9 million extra, equivalent to two per cent off Council Tax.

Out-of-date census figures from 13 years ago are instead, still being used and updated information will not be fed in until 2006.

Other councils, who are also missing out on grant, are campaigning for the change and lobbied Westminster and the ODPM on the issue. A debate took place at Westminster Hall attended by Kent’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Nick Chard.

The Government is not using census information gathered three years ago in 2001 which clearly shows Kent has rising numbers of elderly and vulnerable people to look after. This is in addition to the increased population in the Government growth areas of Ashford and Thames Gateway.

Cllr Chard, said: "There is a growing feeling of injustice amongst councils and the pressure is now on to get the census information factored in.

"This should not be impossible in the Information Age and people from as far afield as Somerset and Lincolnshire travelled to Westminster."

The Kent figures have been verified by local government finance expert, Rita Hale.

The County Council is now urging the Government to use the new figures and has put its case direct to Local Government Minister, Nick Raynsford.