A drive to consult the people of Brentwood on the future of the borough's finances has been labelled a waste of time by opposition councillors.

The Liberal Democrat administration is planning a major consultation exercise on the borough's budget and Council Tax level.

But, Conservative councillors have claimed the administration is failing to take a lead on tackling the borough's financial problems.

Council leader Cllr Vicky Cook defended the plan: "I believe one of our strengths is that we do consult and do take on board the view of the consultees.

"We cannot accomodate every view, but we do firmly believe that we are here to represent the public and not dictate to the public.

But, Conservative group leader Cllr Brandon Lewis responded: "This isn't a policy from a so called listening council, but, a cynical attempt to shift the blame of financial mismanagement from the people who were elected just five months ago to act on our behalf.

"If the Liberal Democrats think that the people of Brentwood will be fooled by this attempt to shift the blame for service cuts and massive Council Tax increases on to a so called public consultation then they are wrong."

Cllr Cook insisted the initiative was in line with the latest Government guidelines stressing: "We have always believed in consultation throughout the year and not just on election day.

As part of the consultation a questionaire will be distributed in November's Brentwood Borough News and meetings will be held with groups representing key stake holders.

A further round of consultations may also be undertaken later on to discuss the results.

Councillors on the council's Policy Board warned that the questionaire had to be carefully worded to avoid confusing residents or being too ambiguous.

Brentwood Borough Council is under severe financial pressure with its grant from central government still at the same level as nine years ago.

Published Friday October 25, 2002

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