Just three weeks back, Lib Dems at Durham Council along with opposition councillors from three other groups supported Lib Dem proposals to cut the cost of directors which would have seen a reduction in their numbers. Durham had 7 other councils have 3.

Labour refused to support these proposals, yet today they caved in and removed one of the director posts, saving over £175,000 a year – it’s a start but why can’t they work with all members of the opposition instead of refusing to listen until after the event. Still – a success for anyone anti-Labour and anti-waste.

I don’t expect Labour to use the money saved from this to protect library opening hours as we wanted – given that at the scrutiny meeting this week on libraries the chairman said we were not discussing the budget – so much for the consultation – but keep up the pressure and sign the petition on NewtonHall library at http://www.durham.gov.uk/petitions and your Lib dem councillors will try and push for another Labour u-turn.

Neither do I expect Labour to protect other frontline services.  It has come to light though that since I kicked up an almighty fuss about slashing pest control officer numbers from 17 to 6 (Yes 6 to cover thousands of square miles of our County), Labour have back tracked and numbers will be 50% higher. Still a huge drop from 17 to 9, but with better working practices not as bad as the hopelessly impossible 6 they originally planned – and three jobs saved! Another Lib Dem success!

What this says is that whereas Labour refuse to listen to councillors in meetings, including their own backbenchers, if residents and councillors kick up a huge fuss over unnecessary cutbacks in the press, it can make a difference.

So if Labour is cutting something you don’t agree with tell the world and let your local councillors know, if it is right to fight a particular Labour council decision, you will get local councillor support.

Just don’t ask me to support keeping officers earning upto £200,000 a year each plus pension!