Lib Dems Demand An End To Boom and Bust Financial Policy

8.33.11pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 17th Dec 2004

Lib Dems have called for an end to the council's boom and bust financial policy when it comes to the funding of council services.

Under current plans funding for services such as street clean ups and tree maintenance will end in 2007, leaving many services highlighted as vital to the council's corporate plan without a future. Lib Dems are calling for the Mayor and his Cabinet to support their plans to see funding taken forward in a rolling three year plan providing more security for council services and increased transparency in the way the council operates.

Speaking on the proposal, Lib Dem group leader, Michael Headley said:

"Current spending plans will see funds for many important services simply disappear after 2007. This kind of policy shows a total lack of commitment for the future of the borough. Is it any coincidence that this is when the current Mayor's term of office comes to an end?

The council has identified savings of over £300,000 from its reserves and provisions. This money should be used to fund the continuation of council services such as tree maintenance and street cleaning services. These are priority services as identified in the council's corporate plan. Funding should be reviewed every year so that we have a rolling three year programme rather than the boom and bust policy we have at present."

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