Conservative proposals keep residents in the dark

6.19.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 30th Mar 2007

The Conservatives are treating the council's budget like a game of Monopoly

After Conservatives refused to reveal details of their budget proposals at last month's council meeting, they were challenged to produce their figures at this week's council meeting. However the Conservatives announced that they had 'taken a decision not to release the information'.

The Conservative budget proposals made savage cuts to council services, but they would not give copies of their proposals, to other councillors, who were asked to vote on the proposals, or even to the council officers who might have had to implement their plans.

Cllr Matthew Bedford, Deputy Leader of the Council, said "Why are the Tories not prepared to let local people know their detailed plans? Do their figures not add up, or are they worried about the effect of the huge cuts they have proposed?"

What have the Conservatives got to hide? Why will they not tell residents or council officers about their secret budget? What are the massive service cuts that they are so keen not to reveal?

"What does this say about the way the Conservatives would run the council if they ever had the chance? Maybe the truth can be seen in the council tax rises of Conservative controlled Hertfordshire County Council and Hertsmere Council, both at a huge 5% - way above inflation".