Lib Dem councillors accused of “irresponsible and unacceptable politics” by Tory opposition leader

The Shadow Leader of West Berkshire Council has reacted strongly to West Berkshire Council’s financial statement earlier this week.

Speaking to Kennet Radio, Councillor Ross Mackinnon (above) criticised the idea that there are any surprises in the council’s books:

This budget wasn’t a surprise. There’s this myth that when a new administration takes over they “open the books” and they’re surprised with what happens and they have to drastically change course. The books are always open. You know, local authority finance scrutiny is absolutely in the public domain all the time. There is really no such thing as “opening the books”. The financial situation was well known to everyone before the election. What is irresponsible and unacceptable politics in my opinion is to try and junk some of those election promises, which they’re regretting having made, under the cover of a fairly normal financial situation.

Councillor MacKinnon also said that no council services should suffer in the current situation:

No, it’s up to them to make sure, as we did for four years, to balance that budget with no cuts to frontline services.

You can hear the full interview with Councillor Ross Mackinnon with Kennet Radio’s Stella by clicking on the arrow below: