DOZENS of demonstrators last night lobbied Wirral Council as it met to discuss the consultation on its budget.

The Tory and Lib-Dem-controlled authority has been carrying out the massive consultation exercise over the last six weeks – but faces claims from Labour it is “a sham”.

In response, deputy leader of the council Simon Holbrook said: "They think they know better than the people and that is why they are no longer in office."

Former council leader Steve Foulkes joined demonstrators on the steps of the town hall to speak against anticipated cuts, accusing the council leadership of conning the public.

The authority is facing a £108m budget deficit over the next four years and is seeking ways to cut its costs. Labour is accusing the administration of failing to deal quickly enough with an expected £33m shortfall in next year’s budget.

Earlier this month, the council sent out letters to 6,000 employees offering voluntary redundancy or early retirement. However, days later it was revealed the council had approved pay rises for some senior officers.

Alec McFadden, secretary of Wirral TUC, led the demonstration ahead of the meeting, and attacked it as "an absolute disgrace", adding: “I wonder if they will be offering council employers a raise when they take on extra responsibilities for doing extra work when the services and manpower are cut.”