Warrington Lib Dem News
Lib Dems oppose budget
At Monday’s Council meeting we voted against the proposed budget.
Group Leader Cllr Mark Browne said: We recognise these are challenging times for all councils. While we support many of the efficiencies identified by the officers, it is concerning that Labour has not consulted with us, leaving us in the dark about many of the details behind the proposed cuts. We had very little time to consider the proposals and there were areas where we sought further information to assess their impact.
In the last few days, we have collaborated proactively with officers to develop alternative solutions to issues of great importance to our residents while retaining the balanced budget. We are pleased that the ruling group has agreed to earlier consultation with us next year.
Public finances in the country are in a dreadful state. The Labour Government inherited an awful legacy from the Conservatives but sadly it has made a mess of several things with unrealistic predictions about turning things around quickly.
Most councils are struggling to balance their books with massive pressures on adult social care, supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities, and homelessness. Nationwide, one in seven hospital beds are occupied by medically fit patients waiting for care packages.
We welcome devolution, but there is a danger in assuming it will solve all our problems. The Government has said that multi-year settlements will be introduced in 2026, and this should make planning easier.
There are three cuts that have been of greatest concern to the residents we represent:
Removal of free parking at the car parks in Lymm and Stockton Heath generated masses of objections, including a petition with over 4000 signatures. Following discussions with officers we are very grateful that compromise solutions have been found that retain free parking. But our residents do not understand why car parks north of the ship canal are free, and they regard this as grossly unfair.
The recycling centre at Sandy Lane in Stockton Heath needs to go but we need a replacement in the south. This has been promised, and Homes England accept it is a requirement. Without a tip in the south, cross-town traffic will increase, made worse by all the new homes planned. We are disappointed the ruling group has not renewed its commitment to a new tip.
Libraries play a vital role in our communities, and it is most unfortunate that the library in Westbrook is due to close. Stockton Heath and Lymm are the two most used libraries in the Borough, and we understand it is planned to run them with volunteers. If true, there must be full consultation with users, Friends’ Groups and Parish Councils to review opening days and hours and how the new operational model will work. A staff member is needed for volunteer management.
Cllr Ian Marks is the Liberal Democrats Finance Spokesperson and a former Leader of Warrington Borough Council.