Just before Christmas, councillors had the unenviable task of deciding where to make almost £24 million of savings in council services. This was well reported in all local media. With such huge savings having to be made there is inevitable tension around the massive savings that Sefton Council has to make to balance its books. Obviously, the Council has to do this and play its part in rescuing the UK economy destroyed by Gordon Brown and his banking mates. But whatever the cause the books still have to be balanced. However, there seems to be little debate coming from the Labour Cabinet members about how best to balance Sefton's books.
Consensus politics requires, by its very nature, a broad agreement about the direction of particular governance. Yet, when Labour councillors, who are part of the 3-party consensus on Sefton's Cabinet, refuse to agree any cuts, without offering any alternative ideas to save money, this form of politics breaks down. The question remains; are you in or are you out?
Being, in effect, OUT right opposition whilst receiving generous personal allowances for your position IN the cabinet is a paradox that Sefton Council cannot afford to continue with.
This blank-piece-of-paper-style leadership is happening by Labour both locally and nationally, only at least nationally Red Ed has agreed that cuts need to be made. I direct you to Sefton Council Leader and colleague, Tony Robertson's, recent Blog with his thoughts on the situation - which doesn’t seem to be any closer to being resolved...
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