IN HIS letter, John Roberts alleges a £500,000 'slush fund' has been established by North Somerset Council Liberal Democrats to finance pre-election spending. If Mr Roberts had bothered to check the facts rather than believe Conservative Party spin, he wo
IN HIS letter, John Roberts alleges a £500,000 'slush fund' has been established by North Somerset Council Liberal Democrats to finance pre-election spending. If Mr Roberts had bothered to check the facts rather than believe Conservative Party spin, he would have known his statements are not true.The budget approved by North Somerset Council - incidentally with Independent, Green and Labour support - included the creation of a new earmarked reserve of £500,000 to be used for 'invest-to-save' initiatives and to unlock future savings.Liberal Democrat councillors have already approved the creation of a new dedicated 'value for money' team from April using most of this reserve. The new team will bring together the council's brightest and best officers, together with external business expertise, to focus on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of council services and help to achieve efficiency targets and real savings for the taxpayer. I would be delighted to meet Mr Roberts to discuss the council finances and to explain the action Liberal Democrats are taking to deliver lasting improvements.CLLR MIKE BELL - Executive Member for Finance and PerformanceNorth Somerset Council
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