£4 Million Cuts Goes Through But Tories Demand Alternative

IT wasn’t quite the political dust-up some had anticipated. No voting down of the budget, no tabled vote of no-confidence.

Instead, council leader John Kent proposed the budget with £4 million worth of cuts. It was agreed upon, on the proviso that the Labour cabinet would go away and consider alternative savings proposed by the Tories. The Cabinet next meet on August 11th.

At the meeting, Tory leader Garry Hague called for £220,000 of cuts planned for a series of environmental, safety and community facilities to be abandoned.

They included:
1. Reduction in street lighting: £100,000
2. Reduction in street cleaning: £75,000
3. Locking of parks and cemeteries: £10,000

The Tories also proposed alternative savings of £220,000
They included:
1. Reducing councillor allowances by 5%: £15,000
2. Reduce use of chauffeur and mayoral car: £1,000
3. Reduce street lighting by 50% of that proposed by Labour and switch off traffic lights overnight. £55,000
4. Implement reduced subsidy to Tilbury Ferry: £20,000

Garry Hague said: “We recognise the necessity for the council to make the additional budget savings, to a large extent as a result of the previous government’s mis-management of the economy.

“We are concerned that the savings proposals haven’t been properly thought through and will result in cuts to key services and community facilities that many of our residents value highly.

“Setting this emergency Budget has been Labour’s biggest challenge so far and so far their performance is concerning…To say their approach to setting the budget has been haphazard, is being generous.

Until reminded by the Conservative “Group” they forgot to organise a scrutiny committee.

” I sincerely hope that they take on board this alternative Budget which will protect some of the most vital services and community facilities.”

Council leader John Kent gave his assurance that he would go away and consider the tabled proposals.