Lib Dems launch budget for a fairer, better Barnet

9.39.20am GMT Tue 2nd Mar 2010

Jack Cohen launching the Liberal Democrats budget proposals for a fairer, better Barnet

Barnet Liberal Democrats will be putting forward proposals for a fairer, better Barnet in their alternative budget at the Council's budget meeting tonight (2nd March).

Cllr Jack Cohen, Leader of Barnet Liberal Democrats, describes the Lib Dem proposals as "realistic, affordable and deliverable".

The Liberal democrat Budget contains key proposals to stimulate the local economy, cut down on financial waste and improve the local environment.

Among the proposals are

1 Freezing Council Tax

2 Cutting Members Allowances by £96,000

3 Saving £300,000 by getting rid of top officer posts

4 Scrapping non essential customer relations and publicity saving over £200,000

5 Taking over half a million pounds from spare balances to pay for improved services

6 Re introducing Neighbourhood Wardens

7 More Money for Children's Playgrounds

8 Improving our libraries

9 Restore cuts to winter maintenance budgets

The Liberal Democrat Budget will go even further though. It is proposed to launch a new Civic Contingency Severe Weather Fund of half a million pounds. This will be used to help vulnerable residents if there is a repeat of this year's winter weather. It will also be available to respond to power and water supply cuts like those the Borough experienced earlier in the year.

The Liberal Democrats are also calling for a pilot scheme of one hour free parking to help boost our local shopping centres

The alternative budget also proposes to give Residents' Forums their own budgets to spend on improving their local environment

There is also money set aside for adding names to our war memorials. This will ensure that we can record our gratitude to residents who gave their lives in the service of the country since the end of the Second World War

The Liberal Democrats will also be asking Officers work out scheme whereby over 65s who pay full Council Tax will be eligible for a discount.

Cllr Cohen says that unlike the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats listen to our local residents. Cllr Cohen says "Our budget proposals echo what local people tell us they want from the Council."

Cllr Cohen accuses the Conservative Administration of hiding behind a cloak of secrecy. Describing the Conservative Budget as a "Trick or Treat Budget-all tricks and no treats", Councillor Cohen points out that the Conservatives are trying to mask the true financial crises that faces the Borough: "The reality is that because of blunders, incompetence and mismanagement, Barnet Residents are paying a high price." Cllr Cohen says that a Barnet resident will now pay much more in council tax than neighbouring Brent and Camden. Barnet Council Tax Payers face further cuts in services and increases in tax following the Icelandic Banks debacle. The true cost of the Icelandic Bank fiasco could soar to £31million. The Conservative administration has left little room for manoeuvre but despite this we have come up with a budget that will work"