LIB DEMS WARN OF CUTS IN COUNCIL SERVICES

7.23.15pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 11th Jan 2005

Liberal Democrat Opposition Finance Spokesperson Cllr Marc Ramsbottom has warned of cuts in Council services in Manchester when Councillors meet to set the Council Tax in early March.

Early plans by Town Hall bosses show that various Council departments are planning 5% spending cuts that would include threatening school uniform grants to low income families; grants to students from hard pressed families; home to school transport and the possible closure of three local libraries - including Clayton library in East Manchester.

Cllr Ramsbottom said,"Despite an attempt by Government to prevent large Council Tax rises before a General Election, spiralling costs have either forced Council's to increase the Council Tax or cut services."

Commenting on these proposals, he said,"We would be opposed to any cuts in these vital services. The amounts of money they would save would be peanuts, when compared to the huge sums wasted on projects such as B of the Bang in East Manchester and glossy brochures telling everyone how good the Council is".

Liberal Democrats will be outlining their alternative budget in February when they will show how they will improve Council services and keep the Council Tax low but cutting Town Hall waste.

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