Liberal Democrats Slam Labours Budget as ‘Smoke & Mirrors’

Liberal Democrats Slam Labours Budget as ‘Smoke & Mirrors’

Liberal Democrats across Southport and Sefton have spoken out against the Sefton budget that was passed in Bootle Town Hall last week. The budget, which includes provisions to cut the entire tourism subsidy, was approved by Councillors from the Labour Party, Conservative Party, and Independent members. Liberal Democrat councillors were the only councillors to vote against the budget and the 4.99% Council Tax rate.

Lib Dems expressed grave concerns over the budget and the savings that have been identified, describing the budget as a ‘smoke and mirrors approach to financial management’.

Cllr Sue McGuire, Leader of the Lib Dem group, moved an amendment to try and save the tourism subsidy, describing the cut as “Biting the hand that feeds you”. In her speech, she pointed out that the council themselves had praised the tourism industry, with an economic impact of £498 million in 2015, and holding over 6,300 jobs in the Borough.

Speaking shortly after the budget, Cllr McGuire said; “It’s a real shame that neither Labour nor the Tories recognise that by cutting the tourism subsidy, they are putting at risk a huge economic driver, not just for Southport, but for Sefton as a whole, talk about shooting yourself in the foot”.

One of the other concerns raised was over cuts in funding to the voluntary sector. Lib Dem Cllr Richard Hands moved an amendment to create five earmarked funds for communities to bid for, including schools and education, social care, dementia access, autism assistance and environmental improvement. This amendment was also rejected by Labour.

Kew ward Councillor David Pullin, who seconded the motion, said; “We believe this amendment would have helped to empower local residents, and support vulnerable people across the whole of the borough, it’s a real shame that the Labour party wouldn’t support our efforts in this”.

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