LIB DEMS SLAM LABOUR - CONSERVATIVE PACT TO RAISE FIRE AUTHORITY TAX (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

LIB DEMS SLAM LABOUR - CONSERVATIVE PACT TO RAISE FIRE AUTHORITY TAX

December 10, 2009 12:00 AM

Liberal Democrat representatives on North Yorkshire Fire Authority have slammed Labour and Conservative Councillors for voting in favour of a 2% increase in the Fire Authority element of Council Tax, despite being told a 1.1% increase would be enough to balance the budget.

Fire Service finance chiefs told Councillors that a 1.1% increase in the Fire Authority element of Council Tax would deliver a balanced budget for 2010/11, with reserves of almost £4.8m to cover unforeseen circumstances.

However, Labour and Conservative Councillors voted together, preferring to assume a 2% increase when the budget goes out to public consultation.

The move came despite more than £500,000 of expenditure, due for 2010/11, being moved forward into this year to use up an under spend from the 2009/10 budget.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Keith Aspden, who represents York on the Fire Authority, said there was no justification for a rise above 1.1%. He said, "The budget presented by Fire Service Officers provides for £800,000 growth from this years budget, £250,000 of which is not currently committed to specific projects."

"There is enough extra money available in the budget proposals from officers, especially given that more that £500,000 that was due to be spent next year has been moved to this year's budget."

Councillor Tom Holvey, who also represents York on the Fire Authority said, "The proposed budget balances with a Council Tax rise of 1.1%, with reserves running at about the recommended 15% of the budget. The Fire Authority is in pretty good shape financially and I can't see a reason why there should be a higher than proposed rise in Council Tax."

Councillor Holvey added, "These proposals will now go out for consultation and I would encourage residents to make sure they respond to the consultation and have their say on the budget."