Borough Budget Not Good Enough

Despite welcoming many of this year's budget proposals, Bedford Liberal Democrats believe there is still room for improvement if local residents are to get the best from the borough council.

Under suggestions to be put forward by Lib Dems at tonight's council meeting are extra suburban clean ups, the reinstatement of the budget for playschemes and the safeguarding of services such as the street wardens and other key initiatives until 2008 at least. The Lib Dems have also raised concerns over new projects which would see pay and display machines introduced into Allhallows car park, at a cost of £80,000, despite there being no future for the car park in town centre plans. Additionally Lib Dems are worried at the preoccupation with improvements to council buildings and facilities for councilors within the budget. Through the release of money set aside for these projects combined with savings from last year Lib Dems believe more and better services could be achieved without any cost implications to local residents.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Lib Dem Group Leader Michael Headley said:

"We fully support proposals such as maintaining the concessionary fare, extra funds for environmental enforcement and funding for facilities for young people. But we still think more could be done. We are calling for an end to the 50% cut in funding for playschemes, to see more money for extra clean ups and the safeguarding of key services such as streetwardens and cop shops. This can be achieved without it costing a penny more by setting sensible priorities. Local residents should get the value for money they are entitled to."

Lib Dem Deputy Group Leader, Christine McHugh, added:

"The council seems determined to embark on a series of costly white elephants and cosmetic improvements to council buildings. This is not a priority when services are threatened with cuts and there is room for improvement in other more important areas. I welcome the positive proposals put forward in this budget. Our suggestions just take things a step further. We are calling on the council to ask the Mayor and his cabinet to reconsider their budget in light of our proposals. We have seen them change their minds before, following our recommendations, on issues such as the concessionary fares. I hope they will do that again and not let politics get in the way of improving things locally."

Ends