Tory Budget makes Damaging Cuts to Somerset's Services

4.00.00pm GMT Thu 18th Feb 2010

The Liberal Democrats on Somerset County Council rejected the Tory administration's budget for 2010/11 at this week's Full Council meeting. They believe the cuts will seriously undermine the high quality services Somerset's residents have come to rely on.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Cllr. Jill Shortland said:

"I understand Somerset residents are struggling to pay their bills during the economic downturn and that council tax needs to be set as low as possible but this budget cuts frontline services which residents regard as equally important. These include road maintenance, bus services, crime reduction, the youth service and social care services for children and adults. Cuts to these services are simply unacceptable which is why we voted against them and asked that the budget be 'referred back' for further cross-party consideration.

"We need our roads to be improved, not allowed to deteriorate. This budget effectively reduces the spending on Highways and Transport by £5m. Many people rely on public transport which also reduces congestion on Somerset's roads."

"The cuts to the youth service will mean fewer projects for young people, when residents have been asking for more 'diversion' activities. Cuts to Police Community Support Officers and funding for projects supported by local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships will not help reduce the fear of crime.

"This budget also includes a £2.4m reduction in the legally contracted rate paid to Care Home owners. This is perhaps the most 'high risk' saving which could have much higher cost implications if it's contested. This budget also proposes increasing Home Care charges for our most vulnerable residents who are often on low incomes and can least afford to pay."

Cllr. Shortland concluded:

"All in all, this budget cuts important frontline services and increases 'risk' in many areas. We would have liked to see it concentrate on 'efficiency' savings, such as working with the district councils and other partners to reduce bureaucracy and duplication. We particularly recommended that the new Cabinet Office, costing a quarter of a million pounds, should be scrapped immediately and the savings ploughed back into more deserving projects."

ENDS