THE Liberal Democrat Opposition Group on Warrington Borough Council has accused the controlling Labour group of still offering ‘jam tomorrow’.
Group Leader Cllr Mark Browne says, “The papers for the Scrutiny Committee have now been published and there is some more clarity on what is going on. We now know there are proposals for about 235 redundancies to cut costs. But the problem remains that most services are still being reviewed and we don’t have details of exactly what and when cuts will take place. What we do know, is that more redundancies are bound to follow. Given the track record of the Council, we regret that we have little confidence that the savings will be achieved.
“It is ridiculous for the council to claim that everyday services will not be affected for most people. How can they say this, when cuts are being proposed at community and leisure services, libraries, highway maintenance, environment teams, customer contact, school meals and many more services. The look of the town has already deteriorated and there are safety risks with some of the cuts.
“It is easy for the Council to say it is looking at maximising income opportunities, identifying efficiencies, alternative operating models, simplified ways of working, the use of technology and more reviews. Words are fine but we and the public want specific details, not just vague ideas, and to be told what contingencies are planned if cuts are not achieved.“
Deputy Leader Cllr Helen Speed adds, “The Scrutiny meeting is on the 7th of September but the Cabinet meeting is only two days later. This gives very little time for any concerns arising at Scrutiny to be taken seriously and addressed at the Cabinet meeting. Also, some services require statutory consultation. Will the full Council on September 21st approve a budget before the results of these consultations are known – if so what is the point of consulting?
“As the Opposition, we will do everything we can do to improve the financial situation, while safeguarding our precious facilities, but we need more openness and details to give us and the public the confidence that these plans will really work.”
The Labour group has been approached for comment.
1 Comment
Isn’t this being driven by the new CEO and her cohort who are bringing in the proposed changes? Followed by the processes to transform the changes. The culture has to change.