Why the Lib Dems supported Labour’s six per cent council tax rise

THE Liberal Democrat finance spokesman at Warrington has explained why his group supported the ruling Labour group’s budget which will see council tax rising by nearly six per cent.
Cllr Ian Marks said the Lib Dems had “reservations” but believed the Labour budget was the only way to try and protect the borough’s public services.
SDpeaking after the borough council’s annual budget meeting, he said: “In the past, some grant cuts by central government improved efficiency in local councils, but the ongoing cuts now mean we are in danger of falling off a cliff edge with the risk of severe breakdowns in services.
“Brexit will make matters worse and will have a major effect on the town which is very dependent on Europe. More must be done to join up social care and the NHS, which should lead to both improvements for residents, and save money.
“We understand why the council is using inventive income generation schemes to help combat the cuts. But we are worried about the risks they are taking and the fact that too much of our lending and investment is going outside the town.
“We don’t like the offshore trust used to buy Birchwood Park. It may be legal, but it contradicts the Labour party policy to clamp down on tax havens and tax avoidance.”
Cllr Marks said that last year the Lib Dems had criticised the council for charging an extra £3 if green bin requests were not done online.
“This charge falls mainly on vulnerable residents. We hoped the council would change their mind but, they haven’t. Nor have they introduced a direct-debit option that many other councils use.
“The Labour Party has got itself into a mess over provision for the homeless with bitter public rows over the relative merits of James Lee House and ‘Room at the Inn’. Our solution is simple, fund them both.”
Cllr Marks said the Li Dems would find ways of borrowing more money to fill potholes and repair pavements. They were not convinced that windfalls from fining motorists for driving in bus lanes in Warrington will fill the gap.
A recent worry was that there had been a lack of transparency and openness in budgets.
“Major changes like the closure of libraries were hidden from the public until after the budget was passed. This is quite unacceptable, and we are demanding assurances that this year’s budget doesn’t contain hidden cuts that would have a major impact on the lives of residents.”