Release of Reserves a Step Closer (North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats)

North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats <bedford@bedfordlibdems.org>

Release of Reserves a Step Closer

July 9, 2003 12:00 AM

Lib Dem plans to release money from council reserves look a step closer following last weeks Corporate and Resources meeting.

Moneys totalling a quarter of a million pounds were singled out for release from one area of council reserves. With the vast majority of proposals coming from the Liberal Democrat group it was clear that their long standing campaign to free up money held in these reserves maybe paying off.

Speaking after the meeting, Lib Dem Dave Hodgson said:

"It was great to see everybody at the meeting last night realised this money should be released. For some time we have been calling for the council to release reserves to improve local services but have had little support. Perhaps now people are starting to see sense and we can see this money spent wisely. Whilst I would have liked to have seen more recommended for release this is a definite step in the right direction. Other committees have made similar recommendations so this is definitely an ongoing process. One thing that is clear this money must not be allowed to sit around lining council coffers when there is still a demand for improvement to council services."

He added:

"It now remains for the Mayor to accept these recommendations so that we can see this money spent on front line services."