27th March 2008

Dear Sir

May I correct a statement in your article about the budget (Star, 8th
March)? The Lib Dems did not “tell us their proposals the night before”.
Their finalised budget was emailed to us by Council officers at 10am on the morning of the meeting itself. The Lib Dems needed the Green Party’s support for their budget to be accepted. This lack of consultation suggests that they were not interested in working in a constructive way and didn’t really intend their budget to get through.

Setting a balanced budget is a complex and lengthy process. It takes time to discuss how proposals will be funded and put into practice. For instance, the Lib Dems suggested spending £1.4m on kerbside recycling of bottles or tins. Glass is one of the least carbon saving items to recycle and metals are already extracted from the incinerator. So this proposal is dubious on environmental grounds and we would have needed to hear why the Lib Dems thought it was worthwhile.

The Green group said from the start that we would not align ourselves with
either of the main parties, but use the balance of power by voting on an
issue by issue basis and working with whoever would support our policies. We
were equally prepared to talk to the Labour administration and the Lib Dem
opposition. We have been surprised that the Lib Dems, who favour
proportional representation and consultation, did not take up our offer.

In the event, by negotiating with Labour about their budget, we got a
promise that there would be no cuts to front line services and were able
include Green proposals. These are: ten extra pedestrian crossings, a New Year’s Day bus service, advice on home energy saving, a recycling pilot and more help for existing businesses in the city centre. They will all be delivered during 2008/9. We believe this was a wise use of the balance of power situation and has delivered some real gains for the people of
Sheffield.

Yours sincerely

Cllr Jillian Creasy,