Conservative alternative budget put to Council Chamber
The Conservative Group on Birmingham City Council have launched their alternative to the 4 year budget plan put forward by the Labour Administration, setting out a vision of a modern and effective council that enables us to protect and invest in those things that matter most. We will improve the environment for this and future generations, provide more opportunities for young people to get on in life, support local businesses, enhance our local high streets, invest in our communities and keep more money in the pockets of our hard working residents. Last week the Conservatives announced plans that would deliver a green revolution transforming our City making it a cleaner, greener and safer City.
Councillor Robert Alden (Con, Erdington) Leader of the Conservative Group said:
“Birmingham is a city that is booming; it has a proud history, a bright future and its people and culture can stand shoulder to shoulder with any city in the world. It has been let down by years of misrule by the Labour run city council that is paralysed by indecision, infighting and ineptitude. Our budget sets out an alternative to that. We need to break down the bureaucratic silos in which the council operates and dramatically improve our partnership working, including remodelling how services are delivered to ensure that they work for the city and its residents, with a focus on outcomes. The restructuring of the city council into an organisation fit for the 21st century will mean that we can provide the quality of services and efficiency of operation that will allow Birmingham City Council to finally unlock the potential of our great city once again.”
Councillor Debbie Clancy (Con, Longbridge and West Heath) Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group added:
“In many ways what we are proposing doesn’t break new ground, it simply follows a path that many councils started on a long time ago. We will look outward to where we can share services with other councils or deliver them in different ways. We will reduce building use, create a more agile workforce and finally get a grip on sickness absence, consultancy spend and agency use. Getting these basics right will enable us to protect and invest in those things that matter most. We will reintroduce free green and bulky waste collection and a ‘community chest’ fund for local people to spend on their own local priorities. We will invest more into street cleaning and services for children and young people.”
After years of inflation busting increases by the Labour Council, with another 5% this year, the Conservative budget will freeze council tax for four years.
Councillor Meirion Jenkins (Con, Mere Green) Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources said:
“Our proposals would save the average household in Birmingham £154 per year in Council Tax, keeping more money in the pockets of our hard working residents. We have shown how this can be achieved, whilst still investing in other priorities, through better management of procurement processes and technology. We will end the scandal of lucrative and secretive pay-offs to senior officers via non-disclosure agreements. Excessive payments to unions will also be stopped. Public money will be spent far more wisely than at present.”
