[andrewb]

Originally Posted by g jones

You show how difficult it is for you to understand the Council when you do not understand local economics, disproportionate taxation, The Council's ability to raise revenue annually as required, or borrow at a low rate for the short term in a crises.

And what sort of 'rainy day' do you think there will be that will require £1million that HAS TO BE IN THE BANK?????????

I don't believe you had the nerve to tell me I don't understand local economics after this thread.

Originally Posted by g jones

We did put a budget forward. One that the Independents asked for and said they would support.

It is not for opposition parties to put idea's forward at Budget.

I read the council minutes, the only thing I can see is you putting a 2% tax increase. Hence I said 'Presumably you agree with the rest of the budget then'

If it is not for opposition parties to put forward budget proposals, then why did I find loads of Labour budgets in the council minutes from 1999-2005 (the library only had up to 2005).

Originally Posted by g jones

Independent ideas were rejected, all of them. In fact the Tories decided before hand to vote against everyone.

I'm not sure if you were paying attention at the council meeting, but heres some minutes for you:

"Councillor Collingridge reported that the Independent Members appreciated that the Leading Group had already incorporated some of the ideas into their outline budget but hoped that the majority of the Council would adopt the ideas to help take the town forward."

Originally Posted by g jones

Next year, what???? We'll just carry on within that budget. Are you suggesting Tories will put up Council tax 3 times inflation every year????

I don't think you understand. If you take money from the reserves, it means that the money is gone from the reserves so you can't spend it again next year. Therefore you need to raise the money from elsewhere. Or are you just assuming the economy will be fine over the next few years and you'd be able to dip into the reserves again? Not very responsible.

Originally Posted by g jones

I had a 23% pay rise over the period and a 45% Council tax rise. The vast majority of people are like me in this area.

Contrary to all the statistics, contrary to LCC's figures, you're basing the whole of Hyndburn on your wage? I'd rather believe official figures.

As a further note, I'm not a Labour hater, I have lots of friends within the party. In fact I don't actually hate anybody for their Politics. I feel that's counter productive.