Councillors Trevor Southerd and Gordon Rhind were present at the Finance and Management Committee on Thursday.
A rather one sided "debate" took place with regard to the potential future financial status of the council.
The current controlling administration are going to insist on a freeze in council tax, a move that is driven by current government policy. This contradicts both the views of the Scrutiny Committee (which voted unanimously in favour of a 1.9% rise and this includes tory votes) and the Council medium term financial plan which acknowledges the requirement of an annual rise of around 2.5%.
This lack of adherence to the medium term financial plan is going to lead to a severe gap in funds. This will inevitably lead to a reduction in personnel and/or quality of service.
The rising of the council tax is understandably a reluctant requirement as it asking for more money from residents, however, the figures are very small - around 3 pence per week. The controlling party recently approved a 5.6% rise to Council rents which equates to £3.90 a week - the justification being "to stick to the plan". Hardly seems fair does it?
A summary of events can also be read in the Burton Mail link below.
http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/Labour-furious-over-Tory-tax-freeze-plan-20130223080000.htm
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