Initial budget announcements made by the Conservative-run B&NES Council are facing criticism from Liberal Democrat Councillors. Councillor David Dixon (Walcot), who shadows the Resources portfolio, commented:

These budget announcements are merely short term ‘surface dressing’ to mask the many cuts in this year’s budget and in future years. The Conservatives should be upfront about where the money is coming from. These extras are being paid for out of funds set aside for risks, which can now be reallocated, but this is one-off money and won’t be repeated in future years. Exceptional funds should be allocated to ‘invest-to-save’ projects to help soften the impacts of future pressures and to give the support the Council services need to reshape in light of the huge savings that will be needed in future years.

Reading the Conservatives’ budget statement you would think that Bath and North East Somerset Council was unique in facing cuts. Year on year, the Cabinet has complained about being ‘short-changed’: it’s about time they stopped blaming the Government and got on with the business of delivering the services our residents want. Every Council in the land is dealing with the adverse financial climate, but nearby Liberal Democrat-run Councils are looking at lower Council tax rises than B&NES: Portsmouth Council is looking to freeze Council tax this year and Bristol is looking at a 2% increase.

Councillor Nathan Hartley (Peasedown), who shadows the Children’s Services portfolio, said:

The funds announced for Children’s Services will keep the department’s budget above the line this year, but this money must be used to prevent cuts to front line services. Current budget plans include a £19,000 cut from youth democracy projects and £125,000 cut over the next 3 years from funds for free school transport to 16-18 year olds with special needs. Let’s just hope this funding from reserves can really help those that need it.

Cuts are also a concern for Councillor Will Sandry (Oldfield), who shadows the Adult Services portfolio. He said:

The £150,000 of ‘extra’ funding announced for adult social care cannot distract from the massive hole in the budget over the next 3 years, with £2.25 million of ‘unidentified savings’ included to balance the books. Residents can expect to see more massive cuts and price hikes in this area.