Sheffield Liberal Democrats will today present alternative budget plans, which will see sixteen threatened libraries across the city saved. (See Lib Dem Budget Amendments 2014-15)
At today’s annual budget meeting (Fri 7th Mar, 14:00) spending plans will face a crucial vote of councillors, including controversial plans to reduce funding for libraries.
Under Liberal Democrat proposals planned cuts to libraries, parks and city-centre events will be reversed. Meanwhile, opposition Liberal Democrats will propose cutting the cost of green recycling bins by a third, reducing parking permit charges and blocking hikes in allotment fees.
Liberal Democrats also want to see more support for businesses by making it free to park in the city-centre on evenings and Sundays.
The Liberal Democrat plan, which has been signed off by independent council finance officers, is partly funded by a proposed reduction in pay for the top 25% of council earners. The proposal could save as much as £2.5 million per year and follows similar plans adopted in Doncaster and Southampton.
Liberal Democrats are also proposing to cut funding for pet projects like Park Hill and the Burngreave New Deal, reduce the amount spent on policy and research and cut costs by sharing services with other councils and local organisations.
Cllr Andrew Sangar, Sheffield Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Finance, said:
“Local people are tired of this Labour Council playing the blame-game – they want to see action instead. No-one denies the need for difficult decisions but Labour politicians just haven’t been honest with local people about the challenges the Council faces.
“Millions have been wasted on pet-projects and high paid-consultants – not to mention the £31 million of uncollected Council Tax. We’ve shown that by making some sensible savings and doing things differently, libraries can be kept open and important services can be protected.
“Independent finance officers have signed off our plans – confirming that all libraries can be kept open if Labour bosses are only willing to listen.”