Lib Dems propose 'Square Deal' budget

2.00.00pm GMT Sun 3rd Feb 2008

Southampton City Council Liberal Democrat Leader, Cllr Adrian Vinson, says: "The Liberal Democrats offer a Square Deal Budget. No gimmicks. No election stunts. No cons. Just a straight, value-for- money, package protecting core services which benefit everyone, young as well as older, but especially the least-well-off and most vulnerable."

Our 3.2% Council Tax increase - just 60p a week for the average household and well below the rise in pensions - continues the Liberal Democrats' trend of bringing down the increase year by year. A major campaign will ensure that all those eligible can claim rebates from the Government, at no cost to other Council Tax payers.

Yet again a tough grant settlement for Southampton from the Labour Government inevitably means some painful savings. However through strict efficiency measures - instead of 'dodgy discounts' which largely benefit the better-off at the expense of many who are less well-off - we have been able to avoid or sharply reduce cuts in vital services proposed by the Conservatives, including:

• road and pavement repairs

• dealing with bad behaviour in our schools

• play and family services

• neighbourhood wardens & neighbourhoods partnerships

• bus services & free local travel for pensioners and disabled people

• housing quality

• library hours, sports pitches, arts and heritage

• environment policy

• community languages.

We have listened to those we represent and found space for initiatives which reflect the issues people tell us they care about most:

• giving practical aid to pensioners including 'handyman' help & free museum

entry

• defending the quality of our neighbourhoods with better planning enforcement &

conservation

• tackling anti-social behaviour with more City Patrol officers and maintaining the

successful '101' helpline despite withdrawal of Government funds

• extending our pioneering Junior Warden scheme

• tackling climate change through a review of Carbon Emissions.

A moderate Council Tax. Help for the least-well-off. Basic services maintained. Priority services boosted. With the Liberal Democrat budget 'what you see is what you get'."