Is something Important to you on the Tories' "Nice to Do" Hit List?

4.00.00pm GMT Wed 3rd Feb 2010

The Tories at County Hall signed off cut after cut at their Cabinet meeting this morning, arguing that there's no room for 'nice to do' things in this year's budget. The six cabinet members and Leader contributed nothing to the debate and asked no questions of the council's officers, instead answering all the points the Liberal Democrats raised with a chorus of 'It would be nice to do' but simply is not essential. In other words the following things were not a priority:

• Somerset's roads

• The 'red routes' programme, which saves lives

• Bus services

• West Somerset women's refuge

• Village Halls

• The pupil referral unit in Yeovil

• Access for the disabled

• Community Projects

• Park & Ride

• Low bridge signing

• New school buildings

• New libraries

• Somerset residents whose needs are greatest - our elderly veterans

and

• Public Consultation on the Budget

Jill Shortland, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group was cut off mid-stream as she tried to argue these points with the Leader of council but assured him that she and her group will object to these cuts again at Full Council on 17th February.

ENDS