‘Our plan for a cleaner, greener Hull’: Lib Dems unveil alternative budget proposals

‘HULL DESERVES BETTER’: Coun Mike Ross, Liberal Democrat group leader

Hull’s Liberal Democrats are proposing a smaller council tax rise than the ruling Labour administration, and would invest £850,000 into “creating cleaner and greener communities”, the opposition party has said.

The Lib Dems would also put £500,000 into a new crime prevention fund, and create a £300,000 High Street investment fund to support the resurgence of local high streets.

The party would also cut £137,000 from the council’s communications budget, and cut councillors’ special allowances by £80,000.

Announcing the party’s alternative budget proposals ahead of the annual city council budget meeting tomorrow, Liberal Democrat group leader, Councillor Mike Ross, said: “Hull deserves better; we have a plan for the city that will build a better Hull, moving the city forward.

“Our vision is one fit for the future, which takes on board the needs of Hull’s residents, putting them firmly at the heart of our work as we move into a bold new post-pandemic world.”

Under Labour’s proposed budget, council tax would rise by 4.99 per cent. The Lib Dems would also raise council tax, but by 3.99 per cent.

Another highlight from the Lib Dem proposals would be a crackdown on rogue landlords through the spending of an additional £70,000 on the private rented sector housing team.

In a detailed narrative of their alternative budget, the opposition councillors claimed the ruling Labour group, which has been in power for a decade, was “exhausted”, “burnt out” and “without any ideas”.

Coun Ross added: “We want to see investment in the public’s priorities, investment that changes people’s lives and creates a better city for our children to grow up in.

“We want to see our high-streets revived, our streets greener and cleaner, and crime tackled. Our vision would be a different way to the opaque, obsolete Labour council filled with its self-interest and waste.

"After ten years of Labour cuts, broken promises as well as shutting democracy down and keeping residents out of the conversation – it’s time for a change.”

The Lib Dems said their plans for a cleaner, greener Hull would include more frequent, and centrally funded, “Bring Out Your Rubbish” days for residents.

The value of public spaces and parks has been underlined by the pandemic, the party said. The Lib Dems also said household waste and recycling centres would be open seven days a week.

Announcing its 2021 / 22 budget proposals last week, Labour said there would be no cuts to services but it would make savings through internal cuts.

During its time in office, Government grants to the authority have fallen by £130m (a 55 per cent reduction), Labour said.

To ensure the council can balance the budget at the end of 2021 / 22, Labour says £3m of internal savings need to be made over the next year, which it would do through filling vacant positions only where there is a strong business need, and through non-pay savings including energy and automation.

The budget will be discussed and debated at a full council meeting on Thursday.