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Alternative budget proposals from opposition Councillors
February 3, 2009 11:06 AM
Members of B&NES Council's Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet are proposing an alternative budget this week as the Council begins the process of setting the Council's budget, spending priorities and Council Tax for the next year.
Budget proposals were made in the first place to the Corporate Performance and Resources O&S Panel, which met last night at the Guildhall.
Councillor Paul Crossley (Southdown), Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said, "The Conservative budget is a budget with only limited ambition for our area. It does not seek to solve the pressing problems and issues affecting residents, but rather concentrates on stashing away funds in reserves, building new Council offices at vast expense and delaying essential service improvements.
"We recognize that at these times of uncertainty the Council must cut its coat according to its cloth. We are proposing a lower Council Tax level than the Conservative budget - a 3.25% increase in contrast to the Conservative 3.5% proposal."
Councillor Caroline Roberts (Newbridge), who is the Shadow Cabinet member for Customer Services, said, "Residents across B&NES tell us time and time again that street cleaning is one of their top priorities, yet the Conservative administration has allowed this service to get out of control. We are proposing a substantial increase in the street cleaning budget, to concentrate on the neglected areas outside Bath city centre.
"The Liberal Democrats are committed to the Zero Waste policy which we initiated. Under our plans from the last Council kitchen waste collections would already be in place, along with same day collections of waste and recycling. The Conservatives have repeatedly delayed these essential service improvements, however under our proposal they would start in Autumn 2010.
"We also want to see a reprioritisation within the Transport department to focus on cycling, pedestrians and 20 mph speed limits to improve the safety of our residential roads. A change in the travel to school policy so that the Council will organise transport for all children living farther than a mile from their school would get traffic off the roads and reduce the need for unpopular projects like the Middle Bristol Road."
Councillor Andrew Furse (Kingsmead) who shadows the Children and Young People portfolio said, "Our youth service is rated as 'good' by OFSTED - that is great news, but OFSTED only looks at what the service is currently delivering. With more funding the youth service could deliver better engagement with disaffected young people - this is what residents across B&NES are asking for. By engaging directly with young people not currently involved in our youth provision, we can make a real difference to our communities."
Councillor Colin Darracott (Walcot) shadows the Enterprise and Economic Development portfolio. He said, "We are suggesting that, to help our local businesses in the current economic climate, the Council should be paying its suppliers within 14 days. The cost to the Council would be minimal, but it could make a big difference to some local companies."
Councillor Ian Gilchrist (Widcombe), the Energy Champion for the Council, said, "I would like to see this Council do something concrete and practical to help residents reduce their carbon footprints and save money on fuel. That is why we are proposing a pilot project whereby residents would be able to apply for small grants from the Council for energy saving projects such as insulation."
Councillor David Dixon (Walcot) is the Shadow Cabinet member for Resources. He commented, "This isn't the do nothing budget that the Tories are proposing, it's a budget that over the coming years will shift resources between Council departments to deliver the services and improvements that matter the most to our residents."
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