The Liberal Democrats put forward their alternative budget plans for the next four years at a meeting of Hertfordshire County Council on 21 February. The proposals were voted down by the Conservative administration. The spending plans included: additional support for residents most impacted by the Cost-of-Living and energy crises; additional resources for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND); and funding for improved footways and cycleways to promote Active Travel. The Liberal Democrats' proposals were funded from £6.5m of the £12.8m received from better-than-expected council tax receipts and government grants, in addition to the sale of long-term empty and disused properties held by the Council.
Opposition Spokesperson for Resources and Performance, Councillor Sally Symington said, "The Liberal Democrats proposed a balanced budget that utilised the last minute, windfall income from council tax receipts for the benefit of residents most impacted by the Cost-of-Living crisis; gave additional support to young people; and increased sustainability in our local communities, whilst still increasing reserves ahead of the 2025 cliff edge left in local government funding by the Tory central government.
"When services are creaking at the edges, we should be investing in additional capacity to support those most in need, not tucking funds away in reserves to lose value whilst inflation rampages at over 10%.
"Our budget proposals also seek to address the lack of commitment by the Tory-led Council to fulfil their pledge to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030. The chaotic Tories appear to have taken their eye off the ball with regards climate change. This will come back to bite us if we don't take urgent action and invest in sustainable solutions.
