Opposition councillors have proposed an alternative budget they say is progressive and will protect residents, public services and communities – without increasing council tax
The Argyll and Bute Council Strategic Opposition Partnership has gone public with its budget plan ahead of tomorrow’s meeting of the full council.
In recent weeks, the councillors from the current ruling TALIG group – made up of Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and some independents – have said they have ‘no choice’ with their budget plan which sees a potential 6% hike to Council Tax and a U-turn on the promise made to Mull residents over the building of a new high school.
Instead, at Thursday’s meeting the opposition partnership, which comprises two independents, one Labour member and twelve SNP councillors, led by Cllr Jim Lynch and Cllr Dougie Philand, will present all members with an alternative they say is progressive and balanced.
The opposition budget would forge ahead with the building of a new Mull school, whilst freezing council tax at current levels.
Cllr Lynch said: “It is our hope that sharing our budget proposals at this stage might serve as an invitation to all Councillors, providing them with an obvious choice and the opportunity to come on board with our positive proposals, which place community priorities at their heart.
“As a group we are acutely aware of the cost-of-living crisis and the financial difficulties faced by many residents as a direct consequence. It is our aim to protect people from further financial burden where at all possible.
“On the issue of the previously promised Mull school new build, we do not see refurbishment of the existing school as a viable, sustainable option.
“The children of Mull deserve the same standard of educational environment as our children on the mainland. Living on an island in Argyll and Bute should in no way disenfranchise young people, and it is with that in mind that we have the new school build as a budget priority.”
Cllr Philand added: “With these proposals’ opposition councillors are trying our level best to bring positive change and a more collegiate and community led way of working to our council.
“There is no doubt that we face tough decisions and the budget process this year has presented many challenges, however as elected members we do have choices.
“This year we can choose NOT to raise Council tax. We can also choose to hear residents’ voices and actively collaborate with the communities we represent.
“If a majority of elected members are bold enough to join us in supporting our progressive budget there is real potential for this to herald a new positive way forward for our council.”
Leave a Reply