Liberal Democrats vote against Conservative cuts at County Hall

Liberal Democrats at Worcestershire County Council have refused to support the Conservative party council budget during the debate on Thursday 15th February. The budget included cuts to adult social care, children's services and staff contracts. 

The Liberal Democrat Group also raised concerns about Conservative Government promises over pothole funding, after Rishi Sunak promised £8 billion over eleven years, local MPs assured residents Worcestershire would receive £139 million of this promise, and yet only £2.7 million was given to the council this year. 

Cllr Dan Boatright-Greene, councillor for Pershore, who spoke on the debate and voted against the budget says, "It is very clear that this budget is in real terms, a cutting budget. Jobs will be lost, services reduced and efficiencies will not be made. There will be cuts."

"But we are also facing funding problems caused by the government. Promise after promise never arrives. Rishi Sunak has promised billions of pounds to councils and yet this is not forthcoming. If Worcestershire is to receive the £139 million promised by a local MP, then we should be receiving £12.6 million a year. It became very clear that we will only be receiving £2.7 million this year. How are councils meant to be balancing the books when funding is promised but doesn't arrive?

"It is clear that this government has no intention of releasing the promised cash. They write these press releases, stand for a photo and think we will forget about the promised money. The Conservatives are out of touch and out of ideas. We need a General Election so we can get more serious people in parliament who will help local government, not pay lip service."