Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Both local Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidates support an amendment to minimise Council Tax in Dacorum

February 26, 2010 12:10 PM
Originally published by South West Hertfordshire Liberal Democrats

Christopher TownsendAt Wednesday's Dacorum Borough Council meeting, Christopher Townsend, who is the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for S W Herts and Councillor for Tring West and Rural, called for the Dacorum Borough to lower its Council Tax demand. Dr Richard Grayson, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Hemel Hempstead offered his full support for this amendment.

Speaking afterwards, Christopher Townsend said "It is important that we think carefully about Dacorum's budget and where to make savings, particularly in the current climate."

"What the Lib Dems proposed at the meeting on Wednesday was an amendment to minimise the increase in council tax - paid for by a cut in the Borough's communications budget."

Liberal Democrat group leader in Dacorum, Denise Rance said "Everybody is suffering financially at the moment and we have an obligation to be prudent with the council's expenditure, no matter how small the difference is between the now accepted increase in Council Tax proposed by the Lib Dems and the one originally proposed by the Tories."

"Our amendment to the Tories' proposal made it clear that there are still savings that can be identified and made within the current budget. But the Tories, supported by the Labour group, have chosen to ignore them."

Christopher Townsend said "The Tory leader tabled a complex amendment on the night which was not even handed out for councillors to read. This effectively stifled any serious debate on the budget because we did not know what it was we were debating. This is not democracy, it is a dominant party playing fast a loose with the proper process of scrutiny."

In full support, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Hemel Hempstead, Richard Grayson said "Liberal Democrat councillors are working hard to put a constructive alternative to the Conservative budget. I am especially disappointed that Conservative and Labour councillors joined forces to maintain the current level of self-publicity put out by the Council, against Lib Dem plans to make savings."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image