Labour in pledge to reverse budget cuts

Jan 27 2009 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

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LIVERPOOL’S Labour opposition would reverse a series of unpopular proposed budget cuts by the city council’s Liberal Democrat leadership.

The Labour budget proposes to retain 25 lollipop men and women which face the axe, maintain free city centre car parking after 6pm, and scrap proposed charges for resident parking permits for visitors.

Labour is also proposing that local businesses should be paid within 14 days, not the current 30, to help them through the credit crunch a measure that is estimated to cost £180,000 in lost interest.

The second largest group on the council last night said it would stimulate the construction sector by contributing council land to joint projects with housing associations and the private sector to build affordable homes.

Last night, Deputy Labour leader and finance spokesman Paul Brant said the proposals were aimed at helping businesses and families.

Proposed increases in crematorium charges, reduction in library hours, and cuts to free transport for pupils over 16 would also be done away with by Labour.

The opposition group said it would pay its changes to the Liberal Democrat budget by cutting £250,000 from the council’s press and marketing budget, save £400,000 by bringing forward efficiency savings, and save £250,000 on buildings maintenance.

It would also save £200,000 by delaying employment of new people to the delayed Building Schools for the Future programme, scrap £6,349 annual payments to councillors who are executive board assistants, saving another £82,000.

The Liberal Democrat administration has proposed to increase its share of council tax by 4.45%.