Council Budget Smacks of Hypocrisy and Cynicism

4.14.00pm GMT Thu 18th Feb 2010

The Council's budget has angered the Liberal Democrat Opposition

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council's ruling Residents' Association group of councillors presented their 2010/11 budget on Tuesday 16th February, but it didn't please the Lib Dems at all.

Cllr Jonathan Lees has issued the following statement:

• "The budget presented by the ruling Residents' Association group of councillors smacks of hypocrisy and cynicism."

• "There was a complete lack of consultation in many key areas scheduled for cuts in services - and avoidance of other potential cuts that would have had far less impact on vulnerable groups of residents."

• "This cost-cutting, as opposed to revenue-generating ideas, was not based on a thorough review of services and the zero-base budgeting principles that the Lib Dems have been calling for."

• "The budget cuts were designed to have less effect on areas of the borough currently represented by RA councillors. Their majorities have been reduced in recent years - the last thing they want to do is upset the voters in 'their' areas."

Details of the Residents' Party budget can be found on the council's website (www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk), see Related Link "Budget meeting Papers", below.

Their press statement is also available on the council's website, see Related Link "Press Release", below.

The alternative Liberal Democrat Budget 2010 was presented by Cllr Alison Kelly. A copy is available via the Related Link below.

Related Links:

Budget meeting papers

Press Release

Liberal Democrat Budget 2010