Budget Update
February 22, 2008 1:02 PM
Following yesterday's (21st Feb) Budget Council we wanted to write to you to tell you the key messages from Liberal Democrat councillors.
Our own Lib Dem only plans, all of which were passed, included:
* Improve waste and recycling arrangements, inc. extension of kerbside recycling collections +£1.5 million
* Extra funding for people with learning/physical disabilities +435,000
* Additional to fund free bus travel for pensioners and people with disabilities +£1.5 million
* Additional highways and footpath maintenance +£264,000
* Flooding problems addressed +£200,000
* Specialist care provision for children inc. fostering +£100,000
* All York bridges to have safety inspections +£80,000
* Keep concessionary bus travel arrangements at 9.00, rather than reduce this service to start at 9.30
* Council tax increased proposed: 4.75% (lower than officers recommendation of 4.95%)
Some of Labour's plans, which were rejected, included:
* Reduction in subsidised bus services -£21,000
* Reduction in parks and open spaces maintenance -£23,000
* No additional investment in highways and footpath maintenance -£264,000
* Extra funding for fireworks and Christmas lights +£90,000
Budget Amendments
After budget amendments put forward by Labour and the Conservatives were voted down, two alternative amendments were put together by the leaders of the four parties.
In order to create a balanced budget for the City, that retained the vast majority of our plans (over 99%), Liberal Democrat councillors worked to secure an amended budget. Lib Dems fought hard to retain half the value of travel tokens - overturning Conservative plans to scrap travel tokens entirely - and to retain the 9:00 am start for concessionary travel.
All 20 Liberal Democrat councillors voted to ensure that the council fulfilled the legal requirement to set a budget against opposition from Labour and Green Councillors, with Conservative Councillors abstaining.
If you would like more information on the Liberal Democrat budget plans, have a look at the document in the "Download Area" section of this website.
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