I'M amazed at the lack of coverage regarding the council's budget for the ensuing year. The budget proposed by the Labour group was passed by them on March 3. It is strange that with the local elections looming every group except the Conservatives, seems shy of making statements regarding the budget proposals on the financial management of this district.

This shows a blatant disregard for the electorate. I was proud as leader of the Conservatives, to propose an alternative budget, that would have made the council more businesslike and efficient and resulted in a massive 8.7 per cent reduction in council tax. We also proposed a reduction in car parking fees to help business and shoppers alike. All this, coupled with better services for all, creates a truly radical new budget for the people in this district. We respect and listen to the electorate and that is why we put many months hard work into producing this budget which was ridiculed by Stan Henig and his cronies while passing their own spend now forget tomorrow proposals!

Stan can offer a council tax freeze this year (election year) but for next and many year's after the electorate will have to pay for this year's bribery with massive increases.

The Lib Dems continue to back their Labour colleagues but where on earth are the MBI proposals?

Cllr James Airey

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