mond2x: 'If you don't like the budget, go live in Stoke-on-Trent'

Thursday, February 24, 2011

'If you don't like the budget, go live in Stoke-on-Trent'

PEOPLE who do not like a budget put forward by Newcastle Borough Council have been told to "go and live in Stoke-on-Trent".

Liberal Democrat councillor David Clarke made the statement at last night's full meeting in reference to the �35 million cuts the neighbouring authority needs to make, compared to �2.7 million identified by the borough council.

Council tax has been frozen at last year's rates, which means people living in a Band D property will pay the authority �176.93 for 2011/12.

But the budget, which was approved last night, also sets out cuts to back office council staff and seasonal park wardens, along with slashing the amount of money spent on public events like Newcastle Jazz and Blues Festival and the town's Christmas lights.

Mr Clarke said: "If you don't like it, go and live in Stoke."

Labour councillor John Williams replied: "It's a sad endorsement when you have to criticise our neighbours.

"I'm North Staffordshire born and bred and I think we should be showing a bit more respect."

Councillor Simon Tagg, Conservative leader of the council, said: "We have tightened our belts at the council once again.

"A huge amount of work has gone on to review spending and identify efficiencies. By carefully planning ahead, we have been able to balance our budgets, make the necessary savings yet at the same time we will continue to invest in our priorities."

The council's Liberal Democrat deputy leader, Robin Studd said: "We are aware that these are difficult economic times for people.

"Because of that, when we put our budget forward, we decided to deal with the financial issues head-on rather than pass the financial buck to residents."

The opposition Labour group was criticised by the ruling coalition for failing to prepare an alternative budget.

Labour councillor Gareth Snell claimed the opposition had not been provided with enough information.

He also criticised the budget report for not providing details of exactly how the cuts will be made.

He asked: "Where is the detail in this budget?

"I asked for information weeks ago. That arrived on Monday. How do you expect a group to put together a budget in three days? I can't support this budget because I don't know what's in it."

As councillors arrived for last night's meeting, they were greeted by both Save Our Green Space protesters and members of North Staffordshire Against Cuts.

Cuts protester Andy Bentley, aged 57, of Hanley, said: "A lot of councils say there is no alternative to cuts. We disagree.

"They can use reserves or borrow money and force the Government to climb down."