Tory Council Budget Costs More, But Delivers Less

5.15.00pm GMT Wed 24th Feb 2010

Both the Tories and Labour have recently released their budget proposals for the next year, with both announcing a 2.5% increase, which is a higher increase than the national average* of just 1.8%. Only the Southampton Liberal Democrats have been able to propose a budget that is not only lower than the other main parties, but also protects vital services and resources, including saving Millbrook library, increasing investment in our roads and pavements, and protecting the City's art collection.

In short, this is what the Tory council's budget means for the people of Southampton:

• Taxpayer money pumped into the unfair 10% council tax discount for some pensioner households.

• Taxpayer money pumped into the council tax exemption for special constables that Hampshire's Chief Constable doesn't want.

• The closing of residential care homes, meaning eviction for residents and job losses for the staff.

• The closing of Millbrook library, and the loss of skilled library staff across the city.

• Fewer environmental health officers, rat-catchers and cleaners, which will inevitably lead to dirtier streets.

• Higher costs to individuals for burials and cremations.

• A reduction in council income from parking charges.

Despite all these cuts, this budget will cost us more than last year, not less.

David Callaghan, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Southampton Test, says 'it's hard to justify all of these cuts to essential services in Southampton when the Tory council are spending £85,000 on a spin doctor'.

David Goodall, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Southampton Itchen, adds 'the people of Southampton deserve better than this'.

As Liberal Democrat Finance Spokesperson Cllr Steve Sollitt says, "The people of the city will be worse off and it will cost them more. The Liberal Democrats can deliver a lower tax rise while protecting services'.

*calculated by CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy)