Council could make easy savings says Lib Dem

Councillor John Shaw (Lib Dem, Brookvale and Kings Furlong) has called on the Conservative Administration to make some "easy savings"

Councillor John Shaw said:

"Back in February of this year, I attended the Cabinet meeting setting the budget and set out a number of areas where the Council could save money. I am glad to say that a least one of those suggestions has born fruit. I questioned whether we need 8 Councillors in the Cabinet, all drawing allowances and other costs. I am glad to say that the Cabinet has been reduced from 8 to 7.

"We all know that thanks to the mess left by the Labour Government, Councils face big cuts in spending. It is essential that the Administration on Basingstoke and Deane Leads by example."

"The National Cabinet has accepted a 5% pay cut, the local Cabinet should follow that lead and cut their allowances by 10%."

"We really do not need to have so many Overview and Scrutiny Committees, all with Conservative Chairs and Vice-Chairs claiming allowances and adding on other overheads and running costs."

"It is shocking that 22 out of 34 Conservative Councillors get extra money as a special responsibility allowances."

"The Council ought to be looking at fewer committee meetings, shorter committee papers, and to devolve decision making downwards to Ward Councillors"