Labour/Tory admin make painful budget cuts in East Dunbartonshire
CONTROVERSIAL cuts to front line services were roundly condemned as the ruling Labour/Conservative administration budget was passed by 12 votes to 8, with the four LibDem councillors abstaining.
Council leader Rhonnda Geekie said at the budget meeting that they had tried to protect the most vulnerable in society but in challenging financial times had to make some very difficult decisions.
She added: "This year East Dunbartonshire Council has received one of the lowest percentage grant increases from the Scottish Government. The current settlement requires us to save 8million from our current cost of services and also make additional savings of between 5million and 7million over each of the following two years."
One of the most controversial moves was the increase in care charges from 35p in the pound to 50p.
Other measures include cutting the number of sheltered housing wardens and community support officers and closing toilets at the start of the West Highland Way in Milngavie and public halls that are used for less than 30 hours a week.
On the care charges: Councillor Geekie said: "We have to look at all charges. We have done all we can to make sure people get all the help in accessing care they are entitled to.
"I recognise this is a very emotive subject and we will make sure people get all the money they are entitled to for their care. Officers have spent a great deal of time on this and it is important that we still have the care in place."
See this week's Herald - in the shops now - for full report.
To send your views of the budget to the Herald click here.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Milngavie
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
