Is It A Pact?

10.46.17pm GMT Wed 8th Feb 2006

At the annual budget-setting meeting of Warwickshire County Council held on the 7th February 2006, the Conservative and Labour groups backed away from investing at least £1 million into the "Independence Well-Being & Choice" agenda - which is about lifting our older population and people with learning disabilities into a better standard of care.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse, leader of the Liberal Democrat group stated that:

"The Liberal Democrats would use their priorities of Independence Well-Being & Choice, Art for Health, Empowering Young people and Access to Transport as their touchstones for supporting a budget for 2006/07."

But as the debate went on it became clear that both the Conservative and Labour groups were rushing towards each other, eager to secure a deal. The original Conservative budget was slightly amended to ensure that Labour elements could fit, and at the vote Labour abstained thus ensuring that the Conservative budget went through.

Liberal Democrats are dismayed at this outcome. Whilst some areas were addressed it is clear that the major investment that is needed in adult social services will not now follow through.

In May 2005, after the County Council elections, Labour allowed the Conservatives to take control of Warwickshire. Liberal Democrats are now asking, does this mean that we are seeing both the Conservative and Labour groups moving closer together? "If it continues, perhaps we could see a Con Lab pact?" asked Jerry Roodhouse.

Liberal Democrat Councillors on the County Council will now be campaigning on our key themes and will also be trying to ensure that the most vulnerable are fully supported through what could be some difficult times ahead.

• Empowering Young People

• Independence well being & choice

• Accessibility to public transport

• Art for Health