The County Council agreed a budget to day for the coming year which includes proposals for fortnightly bins collections, the closure of leisure centres and the cutting of funding to the CAB and Welfare Rights – too name a few.

Labour voted down a proposal from the Lib Dems to cut the County News newspaper to protect the Welfare Rights and CAB budgets, and also voted down our proposal to provide subsidised transport for over 16’s, which is being cut.

In addition, it is clear that they have failed to carry out any proper negotiation with Unions on job losses.  Many staff this year will receive four figure pay rises, yet we are cutting jobs.  These incremental pay rises could be cut back to protect those on the lowest incomes, services and jobs.  Labour has once again failed to listen to any of the opposition, or calls from residents.

Hopefully they will take on board some of our requests in the coming year – though I expect not.