Liberal Democrats are ready to lead Birmingham City Council after the May elections

Today, the Labour party has finally managed to pass their own budget. The Liberal Democrats, along with all other opposition parties voted against, arguing for a unity budget. 

However, we are pleased to have extracted significant concessions from Labour, including £25 million on road resurfacing and safety, extended library opening hours and cleaning up the city.

Additionally, we have secured agreement for a major effort to recover hundreds of millions of debt owed to the Council.  We have also doubled the amount of money available for investment in community projects. 

Following the meeting, Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader Roger Harmer commented:

“It is a highly unusual situation when an opposition party manages to amend the budget of the ruling group. While we would have preferred a unity budget and voted as such, we are delighted that our amendments will bring significant benefits to the residents of Birmingham. Today we have shown that the Liberal Democrats are ready to lead Birmingham City Council after the May elections.”