Problems highlight financial difficulties

PREPARATION for Exeter City Council's annual budget has initiated much discussion.

The serious financial problems of the council mean that savings have to be made.

The Conservative and Labour leaders' views have been given much publicity in the Echo. However, many of the views expressed have more to do with political manoeuvring than with an attempt to solve the problems.

Closing toilets, changing the waste collection programme and increasing car parking charges are all emotive issues.

What is necessary is not just opposition to all proposals made by the leading party but a concerted effort by all members of the council to work together, pool ideas and to propose rather than oppose.

The Liberal Party group is not given much press. I suggest this is because we are not content with shouts of derision but ask for reasoned discussion.

Cuts will have to be made and they will be painful. What we have to avoid is adding to unemployment, creating health hazards and reducing the efficient management of the services we have to maintain.

The much vaunted "victory" over the toilets is not a victory until alternative savings are proposed and agreed.

Joan Morrish

Leader of Liberal Party group on Exeter City Council