PRESS RELEASE
Issued by:
Councillor Simon Holbrook
Date of Issue: 17th December 2007
Contact number: 07824 431295

WIRRAL ON TRACK TO MEET TOUGH FINANCIAL TARGET

As Wirral Council approves its latest round of efficiency savings to meet the toughest financial targets it has faced for years, Liberal Democrat Leader Councillor Simon Holbrook said,

“Last May the Liberal Democrats took the brave decision to form part of a joint administration for Wirral Borough Council with Labour.

“We did so with our eyes open, knowing full well that the Council faced a potential financial crisis if it did not take prompt action to deal with a big hole in its Budget of around £45m over the next three years, with around £20m needed in the first year.

“We took this on because the previous all party administration had been ineffective and failed to provide the leadership necessary to take the tough decisions we knew were needed to get to grips with the budget.

“Those decisions have not been easy and I am proud of the way Liberal Democrat Councillors have worked tirelessly to bridge the gap in the Council's finances to ensure stability for the future and to protect vital services. To date around £14.5million has been found towards the first year target, and together with a better than expected settlement from the government we are now well placed to meet the first year efficiency targets.”

Councillor Holbrook continued,

“The Conservatives' contribution to this very difficult process has been to oppose over £6m of the efficiencies put forward by the Cabinet.

“This is the equivalent of £59.19 for every Wirral Council Tax Payer . So far they have offered no alternatives.

“The Conservatives once prided themselves on being the Party of low Council Tax and financial competence – but no more.

“This is why today I am challenging the Conservatives to answer the following questions:

“Will they be putting those efficiencies they have opposed back into their Budget proposals when it comes time to set the Council Tax? If so, where are their alternatives to the £6m they have opposed so far?

“If they are not able to answer those questions, they are not playing straight with the people of Wirral.”