Plenty in Reserve – Brian Greenslade warns Central Devon Lib Dems that Tories may use cash reserves to buy votes. (Central Devon Liberal Democrats)

Central Devon Liberal Democrats <info@centraldevon-libdems.org.uk>

Plenty in Reserve – Brian Greenslade warns Central Devon Lib Dems that Tories may use cash reserves to buy votes.

December 5, 2011 10:26 AM

Residents and supporters fromCentral Devonhad the opportunity to quiz Devon County Council Group Leader Brian Greenslade at Tedburn St Mary at the Local Party AGM in November.

Answering questions from the floor Cllr Greenslade said that there were many similarities in dealing with Tory controlled County Hall as Nick Clegg has to in the coalition government. Many of the policies and decisions such as the unpopular 'on-street' parking charges in small market towns such as Crediton would have been forced through and implemented by now if it hadn't been for Liberal Democrat opposition. Mr Greenslade emphasised the importance of protecting services, something the Conservative leadership seem intent on cutting. Expanding on this issue, the former County Council

Cllr Brian Greenslade with Phil Hutty

leader deplored the attitude of many cabinet members, who are happy to 'pass the buck' on difficult decisions by holding inconclusive and simplistic vox-pop surveys around the county and then claiming they have universal support for their unpopular policies.

When questioned about the County Council's financial position, Cllr Greenslade emphasised the present administrations contrary view to that of Local government Secretary of State, Eric Pickles regarding local authorities' financial reserves. Government advice is for councils to use reserves to help preserve council services, something the Tory administration inDevonseems determined to ignore. Despite the very healthy reserves inherited from the previous award winning Liberal Democrat administration, cash is continuing to be accumulated in reserves in what Mr Greenslade fears will be a cash giveaway when the Conservatives launch their election campaign in 2013. He told the meeting, "buying votes at the expense of council services is an unacceptable practice, by then the damage will already have been done".

Central Devon Lib Dems AGM

Phil Hutty, the present parliamentary spokesperson for Central Devonalso addressed the meeting. He expressed concern at the delay following the Boundary Commission's proposals, which are still progressing legislatively through parliament. He concluded by saying the delay is preventing voters from making a critical choice when it comes to selecting candidates and gives sitting MP's an unfair advantage.