The Town Council budget proposals were agreed on January 27 at Finance and General Purposes Committee and will be finalised on February 7th at Full Council. It includes a freeze on Council Tax and service growth. Town Council Leader James Baldwin said the budget provided investment to enable the Town to face the challenges and opportunities of the future. There were no Tory amendments or counter proposals as in previous years.

James stressed three initiatives within the budget. Firstly, there is funding to ensure the provision of expert advice to develop the Town's own Neighourhood Plan for the Town's future following the failure of the Area Action and then Core Strategy. Secondly, the budget includes funds to run the planned new Town Centre public toilets and Large Parish Halls regeneration. Thirdly, it provides investment in East Court and Merdian Hall to keep the buildings in good repair and atract more usage and income.

James commented, ' We all know people's budgets are under pressure, and we are doing our but by again freezing our Council Tax take. If re-elected at May's local elections, East Grinstead Liberal Democrats would plan a further freeze for next year as well.  We are also increasing service delivery on a range of fronts by by getting value for money from all our spending plans and from increasing income from increased room hire, weddings and conferences.'  

The message is clear - East Grinstead Liberal Democrats has a proven strategy and track record of excellence in running the Town's finances. The Tories have nothing to say, and even less to offer.

Chris Jerrey

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