Local Profits For Local Pockets

Profits from DSD, the direct services department of the borough council, should be used to stop increases in next years council tax rate according to local Liberal Democrats.

The profits, which have arisen from works carried out by DSD in the borough as well as contracts in other areas, this year look likely to total over £800,000. Currently the borough is faced with the prospect of calling for a 20% increase in council tax next year if it is to balance its books. Under the Lib Dem plans profits from DSD would be put straight into the general fund budget where they could be used to greatly reduce the need to raise the council tax rate.

The councils Executive have already discussed this and it has been ruled out for next year.

Commenting on the issue Lib Dem Group Leader Michael Headley said:

"The Executive has failed to realise that this money can prevent this serious council tax hike. With countless millions already stored in council reserves its vital this money isn't tucked away along side it. What we are suggesting is that this money is used as part of the general fund budget so that there is no excuse for the predicted hefty tax rise or cuts in our local services. Much of these profits are money DSD has made working on local projects. It's only right then that these profits should be returned to the people that helped fund them. Local Tax Payers."