ANGER AT DISTORTION OF BUDGET FACTS

1.26.27pm GMT Wed 18th Nov 2009

Cllr Jill Shortland, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition on Somerset County Council, today attacked the ruling Tory group's attempt to mislead local people over the use of Somerset County Council's reserves.

Said Jill Shortland....

"Yes, the Lib Dems at County Hall did use capital reserves and borrowing to tide the council over difficult times in the past and to defend essential services. Without this sound business practice, fully backed by the Government it should be noted, our children would still be using outside lavatories in dilapidated Victorian schools, many libraries would have closed and our roads would have become virtually impassable. These are only a few of the consequences of cutting services irresponsibly.

"It should be noted that the same use of capital reserves and borrowing was, in fact, employed by the previous Conservative county council during the early 1990s when they increased debt by no less than 42% over four years to maintain services.

"When they took over earlier this year the Tories at County Hall inherited sound finances and good assets from the Lib Dems. So good that Somerset County Council services received top Value for Money ratings from Government inspectors. Let us hope that the cuts planned by the Tories do not drive a coach and horses through the services currently enjoyed by Somerset people."

ENDS