The Croydon Guardian has done very well, getting statements from the Conservative leader of Croydon Council, Mike Fisher, and the Labour opposition leader, Tony Newman, ahead of next Monday’s crunch meeting of the Council Cabinet.There is little surprising in what they have to say. The argument is not about whether cuts need to be made, but the degree of cuts required, and where and how they fall.
As Councillor Newman says, “These are tough times but the council is still proceeding with its new headquarters, its council newspaper and a huge monthly bill for consultants.”
In his statement, Councillor Fisher fails to justify how next Monday’s Cabinet will be asked to consider 66 per cent cuts in grants to local charities and voluntary organisations, while also being expected to approve a 22 per cent hike in his own allowances and increases for other council leaders.
Fisher says:
“Whatever political rhetoric you hear, this is about one thing, and one thing only – value for money, and making sure we do whatever we can to ensure residents get it from a council that genuinely puts Croydon first.”
And not putting yourself first.
via Croydon Council Leader Mike Fisher defends tough decisions (From Croydon Guardian).
via Tony Newman: This is a cynical choice (From Croydon Guardian).
