Coventry Conservatives have unveiled a fully costed plan to scrap Labour’s inflation-busting council tax hike while protecting and improving essential services. Their alternative budget, which will be debated on Tuesday, 25th February, delivers real financial relief for residents while prioritising investment in roads and frontline services.
Under Conservative proposals, Coventry residents would pay £1m less council tax next year, helping to ease the burden after years of rising bills. At the same time, an extra £1 million would be allocated to road repairs in this year’s budget - tackling one of the top concerns raised by residents.
To fund these commitments, Conservatives have identified many savings3. Most notably, they would cancel a £330,000 bailout of the Godiva Festival – after years of spiralling costs and declining ticket sales. They have also pledged a review to determine the kind of festival that is most suitable for the city. They would also axe two newly created Executive Director posts – including one role dedicated to finding savings. Axing these unnecessary positions would save another £330,000.
The ‘alternative budget’ is traditionally a way for the opposition to show how things would be different if they were in control. And this year’s proposal offers a clear alternative to Labour’s high-tax approach. They’ve published these amendments in advance of the meeting to give Labour notice to consider them
Conservatives argue they would be able to find further significant savings if they were in control. They point to wasteful subsidies given to the loss-making Coombe Abbey Hotel and failing waste management company Tom White Waste as examples. Critics point out that Labour’s 4.9% council tax rise is almost equal to the £7.5m bailout reportedly given to Tom White Waste recently which was necessary to prevent the company folding.
Cllr Peter Male, Deputy Leader and Finance Spokesman for the Conservative Group, said:
“Labour claims there is no money, yet we’ve identified significant wasteful spending - just by taking a smarter approach. Meanwhile, residents are struggling with higher bills and crumbling roads. Our budget delivers a council tax cut of £1m, and a significant boost for roads. If Labour votes this down, they must explain why they support higher taxes and potholes over financial relief and better services.”
The proposals will be seconded by Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Gary Ridley who added:
“Every single council seat is up for election next year due to boundary changes, giving people a real chance to change who runs Coventry. Over the next year we will demonstrate how the next Conservative administration will deliver lower council taxes and better services. Our alternative budget is the first step towards a Conservative-led council that will cut council tax, improve roads, and manage public money more responsibly.”
The full Amendment is set out below:
