Lib Dems back balanced budget

3.47.37pm GMT Tue 15th Feb 2005

The Liberal Democrats will be backing the budget proposed by the County Council Executive because it strikes the right balance between the need to maintain local services and the need to keep Council Tax rises down.

Key priorities supported by the Lib Dems include:

1 investing in more effective financial management to ensure that money is not wasted;

2 investing in the Council's property so that buildings are fit for purpose and maintenance costs are reduced, including investment in energy efficiency schemes;

3 keeping the Council Tax rise to under 5% whilst continuing to increase the level of balances to a safe level as advised by the independent District Auditor.

"The Liberal Democrats believe that good quality local services are vital to local people, and that investment is needed to ensure that these services are delivered in a cost effective way," said Lib Dem Group Chair, Cllr Jean Fooks. "But we also understand that ever increasing Council Tax bills are a real burden on many households and have sought to minimise the rise this year."

The Liberal Democrats remain committed to replacing the unfair Council Tax system with a fair local taxation system based on each person's ability to pay.