Barnet Liberal Democrats propose alternative Budget (Barnet Borough Liberal Democrats)

Barnet Borough Liberal Democrats <info@barnetlibdems.org.uk>

Barnet Liberal Democrats propose alternative Budget

March 2, 2011 9:50 PM

Councillor Jack Cohen

Cllr Jack Cohen, leader of Barnet Liberal Democrats, told Tuesday's budget Council meerting that there is a better way of doing things. Cllr Cohen accused the Tory Administration of being "guilty of financial waste, mismanagement and contempt for the public on a grand scale"

Councillor Cohen acknowledged that tough decisions had to be made in the current economic climate. However, "the local Tories have made a bad situation worse. They have cut themselves off from the mainstream, they ignore the public and have made bad choices. All of this combines to making this Council a laughing stock."

The Liberal Democrat Budget would restore the Youth Service, save school crossing patrols and save Church Farm House Museum. The Liberal Democrats would also reverse Conservative plans to hike the cost of parking permits and visitors' vouchers. The Liberal Democrats would also retain the neighbourhood skip scheme.

Councillor Cohen pointed out that substantial savings could be made on high paying chief officer's posts, capping members' allowances and curtailing non essential expenditure. For example, the Council spends a whopping three quarters of a million pounds on publications and subscriptions. "I do not believe this amount of money can be justified and that is why we propose slashing theses budget items."

Cllr Cohen also wants to send "those consultants packing" Cllr Cohen says there is widespread disbelief why the Council needs to spend tens of millions of Council taxpayers money each year on outside consultants and agency staff. There is no justification and that is why we are proposing an urgent review of the monies spent on consultants. I believe the money can be better used to protect front line services "

The Liberal Democrats proposals will put back the pride in Barnet, restore faith in Local Government and make Barnet a better place to live and work in