PRESS RELEASE
Issued by:
Councillor Stuart Kelly
Leader, Liberal Democrat Group
Date of Issue: Mar 1st 2006
Contact numbers:
0151 653 9077
07771 981 045

LIBERAL DEMOCRAT BUDGET

Wirral's Liberal Democrat Councillors will tonight call for important priorities to be added to Labour's budget - without adding to the increase council tax payers will have to stump up.

Councillor Stuart Kelly said,

“Our proposals address important priorities we feel are absent from Labour's Budget; priorities which relate to issues of concern to the people of Wirral.”

“Ending library hours' cuts, giving more money to neighbourhoods to spend on fighting crime and increasing road safety, helping the youth service to fund small projects that will make a big difference, giving support to kick-start the new recycling service; investing in alternative energy to keep council costs down: all these issues, and many others in our proposals, address local concerns.”

“'And we've identified sustainable and achievable methods of paying for them.”

“We recognise that it's been a tight financial year for Wirral Council with significant pressures - particularly in Social Services and Cultural Services - and a far from generous grant from the Government. It's highly likely that next year will prove equally tight.”

“That's why we've tried to work responsibly with all members of the Cabinet thoughout the year to identify and support savings.”

“And we're continuing in that responsible role with our proposals.”

“We will not, as the Conservatives have done, seek the easy option. It should make our blood run cold that they choose to attack the budget lines associated with the old and vulnerable. Such a cut represents a time bomb which no right-minded person would accept. “

The Liberal Democrat proposals will be presented at Wirral Council's Budget meeting tonight.

For Councillor Kelly's budget speech click here