COMMENT: Pickles' Great Gamble - Politics over progress?

This week Eric Pickles announced plans to cut central government funding of local councils by 28% over four years.  This is linked to Cameron's Big Society agenda and the aim is to give residents and communities more responsibility for services and decision making,

However, whether the power lies in the halls of Westminster, the corridors of the local town hall or within local communities the key fundamental issue comes down to finance.

It must have occurred to those within the higher echelons of the Conservative party that those best situated to weather severe cuts in local government funding were those in more affluent areas.  This could be because residents in these areas have the income to endure higher tax rates or, if spending cuts are introduced instead of tax rises, have less need of government provided services such as local schools, hospitals or social housing.

Given lower income areas will be more likely to be Labour voting how will this effect voters at the next General Election.  Is Pickles hoping that Conservative efficiency will boost standing in local government and this will translate into national votes?  A risky strategy or a wise one?