At the recent Bromsgrove District Council (19th February 2025) crucial budget-setting meeting, Liberal Democrat Councillors failed to back the council’s budget for the coming year.
Instead, Lib Dem Councillors abstained, despite not proposing their own alternative budget.
Conservative councillors have accused the Lib Dems of a “dereliction of duty” and raised grave concerns about the party’s approach to sound financial management of Bromsgrove District Council.
The Lib Dems had actually been involved in cross-party discussions as part of the budget setting process.
The budget protects frontline services, despite the Labour Government breaking its promise of covering the cost of their hike in employer National Insurance contributions.
Ultimately the budget was approved by Conservatives, independents and members of the Labour Party.
A spokesperson for the Conservative Group said:
"How on Earth could the Lib Dems ever run a council if they have no vision or commitment to making the tough but necessary decisions residents rightly expect of their elected councillors.
“Abstaining is a dereliction of duty, especially when they couldn’t even be bothered to propose their own alternative budget.
“The Conservatives, working on a cross-party basis, passed a budget which protects frontline services and ensures Bromsgrove remains a great place to live and work.”
In light of the Lib Dems’ behaviour, Conservatives are calling on them to be more proactive and collaborative in their approach to addressing the district’s financial priorities and ensuring that future budgets are robust and in the best interest of the residents of Bromsgrove District.
