"Veil of secrecy" slammed by Leeds' Lib Dem leader (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

"Veil of secrecy" slammed by Leeds' Lib Dem leader

August 18, 2010 12:00 AM

A Council decision to keep secret vital information about proposed cuts to grants to external partners, including voluntary groups, has been slammed by Cllr Stewart Golton.

Cllr Golton has branded the move "totally unacceptable" claiming voluntary groups and the public have been kept in the dark long enough.

Unlike many other authorities Leeds has "repeatedly" delayed announcing where it will make savings over the coming year. According to Cllr Golton this has left charities and voluntary groups fearful about whether they will be able to continue to deliver services for vulnerable people.

Cllr Stewart Golton (Leader, Liberal Democrat Group) said:

"I'm urging the leader of Council to think again about the 'cloak and dagger' tactics his Administration is using to hide its proposed savings from public scrutiny. The public have a right to know where this Council intends to make savings and how that will affect them.

"Sadly, the current Council leaders are like rabbits caught in the headlights. At a time when this city really needs clear direction, they have repeatedly dithered and delayed.

"Other authorities have been open about where savings will be made. The voluntary sector is not the first place to start. I hope the Council thinks again and actually considers the other options it has available."