Million Pound Covid recovery plan rejected

A 'once in a lifetime' plan to invest an extra £1 million in local services was rejected by the Conservatives at Wednesday's Bromsgrove Council meeting.

In an unprecedented move, three different political groups worked together on a budget amendment to speed up the economic recovery, after an extremely difficult year for residents and businesses. The carefully costed proposals from the Lib Dems, Independent Group for Bromsgrove East and Independent Group for Bromsgrove West and Central would have seen extra investment released, without any further costs to local council tax-payers.

The plans would have seen Government grants put into use straight away, boosting investment in public transport, arts and leisure, and community support initiatives.

However, the ruling Conservative Group voted against the budget amendment so the money will now be held back alongside £4 million the council already holds in reserves.

Lib Dem Leader, Cllr Rob Hunter said: "With an end to lock-down finally in sight, the time to spend this money is now. Our communities are crying out for investment and that is exactly what this grant is for. Our plans offered a much-needed boost as well as helping to tackle climate change."

Sam Evans, Lib Dem candidate for Bromsgrove East praised the recovery plan and cross-party working, adding: "It's really great to see that the Bromsgrove Lib Dems work accross party where there is common ground and are willing to put politics aside to act in the best interests of residents."

Lib Dem Candidate for Bromsgrove South, Dr David Nicholl added: "At the very time it was needed for investment, the Conservative group chose penny-pinching over building back a fairer community for all."

The plans were backed by three out of the five political groups represented on the district council. It's the first-time a cross party approach has been taken to budget setting.

The £1 million Plan in brief:

£433,000 for 4 new electric shuttle buses

£210,000 to recruit two new operatives and for park and environmental improvements

£190,000 to help volunteers and local community support initiatives

£65,000 to help our libraries museums and leisure centres get up and running again

£50,000 to provide a new mental health co-ordinator

£15,000 to improve CCTV