Issue - meetings

Motion from Liberal Democrat Group - NOV 03

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On a motion from Councillor Richard Samuel, seconded by Councillor Jess David, it was

RESOLVED that

Council:

Notes the Save Local Services campaign by the Local Government Association (LGA), which emphasises the importance of local government services to every person in every community, particularly in light of the cost-of-living crisis.

Notes, with concern, that the Chancellor has signalled a reduction in spending on public services and /or the imposition of tax rises and requested government departments to cut their budgets.

Believes the LGA is correct to warn that the future financial sustainability of councils and local services is on a cliff-edge. The scale of inflation in the economy and demand-related pressures cannot be met by reducing costs, making efficiencies, or raising council tax. Non-statutory services, such as parks, leisure and neighbourhood services, are under sustained pressure. Councils will be hard-pressed to limit damage to the local services upon which so many people rely.

Council therefore:

Resolves to support the Save Local Services campaign and to call on government to:

Put local government finances on a sustainable footing.
Provide adequate funding, in line with inflation and the demand for services and provide powers that enable councils to extend the scope of charged for services.
Agree longer-term settlements of at least three years, giving Councils certainty to plan budgets and minimise service disruption.

Asks the Leader of Council to communicate Council’s views to government, local MPs and the LGA.

[Notes;

1. The above resolutions were carried with 40 Councillors voting in favour, and 6 Councillors abstaining.]