A Tory council is a secret council

By Alex Perkins, Canterbury Liberal Democrat Leader

 

When the Tories took over Canterbury City Council last May, the first change they bought in was to introduce a veil of secrecy. For the first time in years (in fact since the last time they ran the council), financial information is being witheld from opposition members.

"We have been excluded from the budget meetings and are no longer allowed to see the financial and budget papers" said Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader Alex Perkins.

"When we were running the council information was freely available and we actually invited the Conservatives to sit in on the budget meetings where the finances of each department are gone through. And the Council Officers are now told not to let us see projected budget figures. This withdrawal of democracy is typical, and is also very much the way the Tories run the County Council. It is a backward and undemocratic step."

YET SEEMINGLY THEY HAVE NO IDEAS OF THEIR OWN

The new Tory Executive are still implementing plans agreed by the former LibDem-led administration. "After all the fuss they made about taking over running the city council, it is hysterical to see that all they have done so far is continue to implement our plans and policies," said Liberal Democrat Leader Alex Perkins.

- The coach drop-off point in St Georges Lane is now in operation.
- New Seasalter Levels Country Park has been given the go-ahead.
- Whitstable Castle improvements - Lottery bid has been agreed.
- Skate Board provision agreed for the coast.
- The Marlowe Theatre renewal has been agreed.

Liberal Democrat members are keeping the pressure on by moving motions and highlighting issues, and by tabling questions to the Executive.

In a possible taster of the Tory privatisations to come, the new executive are rushing through plans which may lead to the outsourcing of personnel functions. As usual without reference to opposition members. One of the least experienced Tory councillors recently said "The heavy boot is coming down on some budgets which is a good thing".

When questioned on exactly what he meant the former local parish councillor became very confused and could not give any satisfactory answers. But we believe that the Tories will stick to their usual mantra and follow Tory-run KCC in cutting vital services which are currently targetted at those in society who are most in need - like the elderly and low paid.

Remember - when the Liberal Democrats run the city council the local council tax increase was was set at just 3%, and local people got the highest level of service anywhere in the county. Let's see if the slash and tax Tories can match that record.