Groundhog Day for Newcastle's Budget as services cuts and council tax hikes set to hit residents.

As more cuts and council tax hikes are set to whittle away residents' services for another year, the release of the Council's budget proposals have branded as "Groundhog Day" and "Labour's cuts, Labour's choices" by Opposition councillors in Newcastle ,

Under more than a decade of Labour rule, the residents of Newcastle have watched their City struggle to deliver the services and support they expect. Opposition councillors remain concerned that the Labour administration remain focused on the impact of the Government's funding cuts, and neglect to look at how their efforts compare to neighbouring authorities.

Cllr Nick Cott, Leader of the Opposition, said: "Labour's cuts are Labour's choices, no matter how they spin it. We know the Tory Government has been happy to starve local government of cash, but they didn't force Labour to impose parking charges on disabled residents last year, to give just one example.

"We hope that the Council lives up to its stated commitment to consult properly with residents this year. We need to see that the Labour Administration is listening, reflecting, and acting on residents' feedback. We value our local services and residents continue to want to see far more action on basic services at neighbourhood level."

Cllr Colin Ferguson, Deputy Leader and Finance Spokesperson, said: "We'll be looking closely at Labour's proposals and putting forward our own alternative, balanced budget in March next year. We'll show that different options are possible.

"It's time to move on from the same old, same old."

ENDS

Colin Ferguson
LD Cllr, Gosforth Ward
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