MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by:
Councillor Simon Holbrook
Date of Issue: February 27th 2010
Contact numbers:
07824 431295
Lib Dem office: 0151 691 8544

WIRRAL TORIES PLAN SECRET CUTS

Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Simon Holbrook has criticised the Conservative Budget proposals as irresponsible and raised concerns about the Conservatives' intentions for the future of vital front line services. The Conservative Budget proposals were revealed today and will be debated at Full Council on 1st March at the same time as the Cabinet's Budget.

Councillor Holbrook said, “In a treacherous u-turn on their previous policy position to do nothing and never change a thing, it appears that local conservatives have had a change of heart and are proposing to create a £2.5m contingency fund to help cushion the effects of cuts in council services and funding if the Tories win power in the general election.

“This ‘slush' fund suggests that the Conservatives have a secret cuts agenda. Not only that, the provision of this fund is an illusion that can only be created by making reckless assumptions about the level of savings that can be found from renegotiating Council contracts that have not yet even been agreed. At a time when inflation is over 3.5% and rising, assuming that a 5% saving can be made on such contracts is highly irresponsible.

“In addition, their proposals put at risk the future of the Council's Change Team at a time when we all know that it is only by changing the way in which we deliver services that we can save the sums of money that we know are likely to be needed.

“The amendment also proposes saving £65,000 from one stop shops and libraries - this level of saving can only be achieved by closing one or more one stop shops.

“But it doesn't stop there: Their proposals also include double counting of other savings that can be made, indicating that, just like the Conservatives nationally, the Tories in Wirral can't get their sums right either. The Cabinet's Budget already includes savings on senior staffing, ensuring the cheapest form of travel is used and the use of electronic procurement systems – the Conservatives think that they can save double just by writing it down twice.

“Finally, and perhaps most serious of all, Tory proposals to cut overtime of care staff jeopardises the welfare of vulnerable people, including children at risk, whose problems do not conveniently occur Monday to Friday, 9 till 5.

“All of this shows why the Tories turned down the chance to lead this Council two years ago: They have no vision and no ambition for Wirral. This Budget proposal shows they still lack the confidence and competence to lead Wirral through the tough times that lie ahead.”

Both the Cabinet's Budget Resolution and the Conservative Budget Proposal can be viewed in the ‘Budget Supplement' on the Council's website:

http://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=123&MId=746&Ver=4