CDC Tory group 'placing politics before people' (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

CDC Tory group 'placing politics before people'

COTSWOLD District Council's controlling Tory group is placing politics before people.

That was the damning verdict of Independent Cirencester councillor Sandra Price, who says the Conservatives have got their social responsibilities wrong.

The comments were made on Tuesday during a debate on the authority's budget for 2005/6.

The Conservatives, who are the first political group ever to take control of CDC, devised a five year budget plan last year and vowed to keep council tax increases to a minimum.

But Cllr Price says they have neglected the public's needs in their bid to balance the books.

She said: "We now have a politically led budget rather than one that takes into account what the public needs.

"If it's socially responsible to sell off housing land and use interest from that to lower the council tax, I find that very sad."

CDC's budget for the coming financial year was set at £9.44million, which spells a 3.5 percent increase for the second year running for the authority's share of the council tax bill.

However, although the increase is relatively low, the Tories have caused anger with their massive hike in parking charges and decisions to axe council jobs and sell off council assets, such as land, as part of the their five-year plan.

Last year, opposition councillors drew up alternative budgets, which would have resulted in a slightly higher council tax but would have had less of an impact on services.

But neither the Independents or Liberal Democrats put forward proposals this year after accusing the Tories of ignoring them.

Independent Peter Martin added: "If they want more contributions from us, they have to learn to listen and take it on board."

The Tories defended their budget stance, claiming it was the fairest way forward for the district as a whole.

And council leader Julie Girling said she welcomed input from other groups.

She told members: "I don't think we've had any sensible alternatives put forward by the Independent group.

"I'd be very happy to receive from Mr Martin, at any time, details of how we can do it (budget) without increasing council tax or fees and charges. "If you want to participate, the structure is there for you.

"If you simply want to snipe from the sidelines you can. But if you want to have some input, we'll be glad to hear from you."