Critical time for new leadership in Wirral Council

Feb 15 2012 by Liam Murphy, Birkenhead News

THE change in leadership at Wirral Council could not come at a more critical moment.

The authority, which faces a budget deficit next year of more than £20million, is due to hold its budget cabinet next week, with a legal deadline of March 10 to set its budget.

Labour said they now fear the new Tory and Lib Dem administration will introduce a “scorched earth” hurried budget, creating problems for whoever is in power after the May elections.

In response to this concern they unveiled their own budget proposals a week early, just hours before being voted out during a special cabinet meeting, including a zero council tax rise.

Cllr Foulkes said his group’s budget allowed continued improvement of the council adult social services. He said: “I await their budget with interest.”

Tory leader Jeff Green and Lib Dem leader Tom Harney said they had been making preparations for a budget.

And Cllr Green pledged: “ I will do my best to ensure council tax does not place a higher burden on Wirral households.”