In the 2009 and 2010 budgets, the Labour Group put forward proposals to cut Council spending on hospitality and consultants and use the money to save vital services. Despite their cost cutting rhetoric the Tories voted against these proposals. We are committed to driving out waste and giving council tax payers real value for money.  A new Labour administration would introduce a ‘Zero Based Budget’ within the Council to ensure that money is being spent where it is really needed. We will use these savings to ensure that Council Tax will never rise above inflation unless our funding is cut. The Labour Government has shown its commitment to devolving power to a local level through the ‘Real People, Real Power’ white paper.

Labour believes in putting local people at the centre of local decision making. The lack ofconsultation over key decisions from the Conservatives, like Wi-Fi, has been simply unacceptable and must change. The residents of Swindon need to be included in the work of their Council and Labour is committed to making it easier for people to have their voices heard.

In 2010, if elected, a Labour administration would have delivered the people of Swindon a Council to be proud of and a Council that they deserve.

Labour would have:

• Immediately introduced a ‘Zero Based Budget’ round to drive out waste and put money where it is needed.
• Conducted meaningful consultations to put you at the centre of decisions.
• Not raise Council Tax above inflation unless central funding wass cut.

Tory Cuts & Broken Promises

• Voted against cutting Council ‘hospitality’ and consultants.
• Failed to properly consult the people of Swindon over closure of Park & Ride, libraries and day-centres for the elderley
• Hiked the price of residents’ parking permits without consultation.

Cllr Derique Montaut, Leader of Labour Group