The SNC budget for 2011-12 will be £10.3 million, the budget cuts representing nearly 18%. Lib Dems are claiming that such reductions cannot be made without ‘frontline services’ being cut.
• Brackley and Towcester will be without Public Toilets
• Credit Card charges for customers paying bills
• Cutting grants to communities by 25% – fewer sports supported, fewer playgrounds improved
• Reduction in Street Cleaning – more rubbish on our streets
• Loss of a Dog Warden – increased nuisance from dogs
SNC has set out a five year plan to plunder its reserves reducing from £15.4 million to just £6.8 million. The family silver is earmarked for sale and once it is gone it will never be recovered. Major savings are planned from joint management arrangements with Cherwell council. Liberal Democrats agree this will save cash but at an unacceptable price. The Oxfordshire council will be the bigger partner they say and will no doubt expect the lion’s share of the arrangements.
All in all not a budget without pain say the Lib Dems and one that reduces local services. Especially those services for the elderly, disabled and less advantaged in our community.
Commenting Towcester Town Councillor Chris Lofts said: “The decisions about where to implement cuts is a question of balance and judgement. This budget is one that Conservative values and judgement has produced. Come the local elections on 5th May local people can exercise their own judgement.”
Liberal Democrats are calling for a council with greater balance and an effective opposition.
They are urging a change at the next election.
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