Lib Dems show Mayor how to slash budget increase by half

10.06.44am GMT Wed 28th Jan 2004

The London Assembly Liberal Democrats will today present Mayor Ken Livingstone with a budget that slashes his proposed precept increase by half yet provides for extra police officers and improved transport services.

Compared with the Mayor's latest inflation-busting demand of an extra 44p per week from the average council tax payer, the Liberal Democrat proposals for a 4.94% increase would add just 21p to their tax bill.

Graham Tope, Leader of the London Assembly Liberal Democrats, said before the meeting:

"The London Assembly Liberal Democrats have real concerns about the Mayor's budget. His proposed increase of 9.9% would mean that he has doubled the GLA precept for Band D London council taxpayers during his term of office.

"Yet simple streamlining and the abandonment of some of his more dubious promotions could achieve savings of more than £31million.

"We propose a budget that protects front-line policing services, delivers efficient transport services and funds safer roads and other popular projects. It cuts out gimmicks, waste and inefficiencies and drops unpopular schemes like the westward expansion of the congestion charge."

Graham Tope added:

"The Mayor's undisciplined budgeting and his excessive publicity stunts must become things of the past. Londoners deserve real value for money, at an affordable price, from the GLA."

ENDS

Notes to editor:

1. The Liberal Democrats will present their report on the Mayor's Draft Consolidated budget for 2004-5 at today's Assembly meeting (from 10am at City Hall).

2. The Mayor's Draft Consolidated budget for 2004-5 contains a council tax precept total of £688m. The Liberal Democrats' amendment reduces the precept by £31.1m. This would mean a total precept of £656.9m for 2004-05, a £30.9m increase on last year which equates to an increase of 4.94% on the precept (21p per week compared with the Mayor's proposal of 44p per week).