Final decision due on Wirral council budget cuts

Mar 4 2013 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Echo

THREATENED day care centres in Wirral could be saved without putting up council tax, according to opposition groups.

As Wirral's Labour- led council prepares to push through a raft of cuts, the Tories and Liberal Democrats say there are alternatives.

The borough's Tory and Lib Dem groups have put forward proposed changes to the budget to accept a government grant of £1.3m to freeze council tax.

Last month, the council unveiled plans to stop its sponsorship of Tranmere Rovers, cut 350 jobs and raise council tax by 2% in a bid to balance its budget.

The cabinet members agreed money- saving measures and cuts to services to tackle a deficit of £39m this year and a final decision will be made at a meeting of the full council tomorrow.

Council leader Phil Davies said the “disgraceful” settlement Wirral received from the Government had made cuts to services “unavoidable”.

The proposals – which would save £42m this year – will also see the closure of one of Wirral’s main day care centres for adults with learning and physical disabilities – in either Moreton, Heswall or Eastham Day Centre – and Sylvandale care home, in Bromborough.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Stuart Kelly said: “In its budget recommendation, Labour has got the balance totally wrong, heaping cuts and reductions on the most vulnerable in society.”