Lib Dem budget puts people first

At the recent budget setting meeting the arrogant Tories railroaded through their four per cent increase in your Borough Council tax and then poured scorn on anyone attempting to question where residents money was being spent or offer an alternative budget.

Needless to say their silly tactics didn't put off the Lib Dem group. Cllr David Kendall, Lib Dem leader, set out an alternative budget that was aimed at putting the needs of local people first. The main highlights of the Lib Dem proposals were as follows:

• Council tax increase of 2.6% (below the rate of inflation)
• Commitment to reduce car parking charges at car parks across the Borough
• Commitment to reduce the cost of residents parking permits
• Commitment to keep Keys Hall and Old House available for community use
• Commitment to support a fund to build an all weather athletics track in Brentwood

Surprise, surprise (!) the Conservatives voted against our budget, but rest assured we will be back challenging them again and again to ensure that the Council gives local residents value for money and the quality services they deserve.