The Bedford Borough Council Conservative Group’s budget proposals have been voted down by the Liberal Democrat and Labour coaliton. This is despite the Conservative budget being fully-costed and subject to the same tests for prudency by the Council's officers as the Executive proposals and confirmed as being compliant.
The Conservative budget contained the following proposals:
• A 1% cut in Council Tax.
• 2 hours free parking in multi-storey car parks Monday – Friday after 10am.
• An extension of the Saturday free parking initiative from 2 hours to 4 hours.
• Refurbishment of the Silver Street public convenience which was closed by the current administration.
• £1m capital investment to bring forward the development of more affordable homes.
• A £200k cut in councillor pay.
Cllr Stephen Moon, Conservative Group Leader said:
‘It is astonishing that Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors voted against our plans to slash councillors’ bumper pay packets whilst rejecting our proposals which reflected Bedford Borough residents’ priorities.
‘Conservatives would keep residents’ money in their pockets through a 1% cut in Council Tax following a 1.7% increase since Mayor Hodgson has been in power.
‘Two hours free parking every day as well as the doubling of free car parking on Saturday to 4 hours along with the restoration of the Silver Street public convenience would have been a great boost to Bedford. Mayor Hodgson’s 41 separate car parking charge increases have driven motorists to Milton Keynes and other towns.
‘Affordable housing is a priority for the Conservatives. The £1m budget we proposed is urgently needed to supply more social housing including smaller properties for rent or sale below market value.
‘Our plans were fully-funded and declared prudent by the Council’s Finance team and I hope Bedford’s residents will remember that the Liberal Democrats and Labour voted them down.’