Lib Dems announce Budget amendments to reverse Tory cuts and protect vulnerable people
Leicestershire Liberal Democrats have announced a list of 4 amendments they will put to the County Council meeting on Wednesday to change the Conservative Administration's budget proposals.
3 amendments are aimed at supporting key services that the Liberal Democrats are concerned about. They would be disproportionately cut or cease altogether under the Conservative's proposals and the 4th seeks a commitment to continue a County wide Schools Music Service.
The amendments are:
- To refund £½ Million to the Youth Service by taking money out of Communications and PR, as well as setting a more challenging target for a planned review of travel costs and staff terms and conditions
- provide transitional money to support 'Breaking the Barriers' (employment schemes for disabled people) to become Social Enterprises
- underwrite funding for the Natural and Historic Environment service which records vital information on the County's wildlife, ecology and archaeology and is also used in planning issues
- To seek a cross party commitment from the whole council to support the Music Education service and delay any cuts until a new Government strategy has been announced.
Group leader Simon Galton said, "These amendments are aimed at reducing cuts that simply go too far and which our research shows have strong support from the people of Leicestershire. Our spending plans would be funded by requiring other services to make extra savings. For example 97% of people who returned our budget survey said the Council should cut the £2.2 million it currently spends on PR and communications. Whilst the Administration has at last agreed to reduce this budget, their proposals do not go far enough and we would make this cut more quickly.
We have identified areas in the budget where additional savings can and should be made and the money used in a better way to protect those who really need our help - the young and the most vulnerable."