Lib Dems Propose Lower tax rise

6.11.09pm GMT Mon 27th Feb 2006

A reduction in the tax rise to 2.45% is to be proposed by West Berkshire Liberal Democrats at the Council meeting on Thursday. The tax rise reduces the rise being proposed by the Conservative run Council from 2.9% and reverses many of the "mean" cuts being proposed.

In the Alternative budget the Lib Dems propose:

• Increasing the Community Care budget by £82,000 including the addition of £25k to fund a home visiting scheme by the voluntary sector (e.g. Age Concern)

• Fully funding Wardens for Thatcham, getting the project started without delay.

• Restoring funding to the Summer Reading Challenge enjoyed by over 4,700 local children last year.

• Opposing the mean £20,000 cut to the meals on wheels service that would otherwise mean giving the elderly and vulnerable frozen instead of cooked meals

• Reducing the proposed rise in car parking season ticket prices of up to 29.6% to a maximum of 3.7%.

"I am delighted we have been able to put forward a value for money 2.45% budget which reverses the mean little cuts the Conservatives wanted to introduce. We will be inviting Conservative Councillors to join with us and accept our sensible proposals this Thursday," said Cllr Jeff Brooks.

Cllr Denise Gaines added "When the Liberal Democrats left office the Council was rated 4/4 for value for money on use of resources the Conservative Council is now branded by the Audit Commission as just 2 out of 4."

A copy of the Alternative Budget is available for download on the menu to the left.