Conservative Budget means paying more for less

Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Gavin James has slammed the Conservative budget for Basingstoke and Deane Council means paying more for less.

Councillor Gavin James said: "The Conservative Budget puts people and services at the bottom of the priorities."

"Who has done well with a Conservative-controlled council - consultants, lawyers, Conservative Councillors, a few lucky businesses on Basing View, the Government that have dodged the blame for cuts."

"Who hasn't done well - people - people who want to look after the environment by recycling or taking the bus, people who have to use the pothole strewn roads, people who are struggling to pay the bills facing higher council taxes and increasing fees for using services."

"The Liberal Democrats have different priorities. We would invest in clean, green energy, getting a better financial return for Council funds, cutting pollution and reducing energy bills for residents. We would invest in affordable housing, particularly modular housing, reducing the housing waiting list and cutting the housing benefit bill. We would cut back on wasteful spending on consultants and futile legal cases and protect services instead."