County Council Budget Latest

12.11.13pm GMT Tue 17th Feb 2009

County Council Budget Latest - Labour and Conservatives support each other but not the hard pressed families of Warwickshire; Liberal Democrats Vote Against Cuts in Vital Services whilst still Proposing a Lower Council Tax

Conservative and Labour Councillors voted:

• to cut spending on new library books by £150,000, and introduce charges for the use of computers in libraries for the first time;

• in favour of spending £ 1.5 million on council offices in Warwick, when our schools are in dire need of refurbishment and repair.

• voted for cuts in grants to the voluntary sector and charities of up to £600,000. In a recession and with increasing numbers of people facing hardship, many of these voluntary and charitable organisations offer vital help and support.

As a result of the deal done between Conservative and Labour Cllrs, the County Council tax increase for next year will be 3.9%.

Only the Liberal Democrats opposed the Conservative budget cuts. Labour councillors sat on their hands and let it happen!

Cllr Sarah Boad said "The Liberal Democrats were the only group to vote consistently against the Conservatives throughout the budget. Our own budget proposals would have meant the smallest council tax increase of the three groups, while protecting front line services, cutting bureaucracy and avoiding raising charges that will hit those least able to afford them. Sadly neither Labour or Conservative Cllrs were willing to support us."