Political parties clash as budget is agreed

Conservatives say council is on ‘right path to recovery’ but Labour hits back

A council tax rise, spending cuts and a new food waste collection service will be introduced by Slough Council after its budget was voted through, writes Sam Leech.

The General Fund Revenue Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy, praised as a ‘path to recovery’ by the Conservative leadership, was debated at a meeting of full council last week (Thursday, March 7).

However, Labour bemoaned the Tories for ‘going back on their word’ and accused Slough’s ruling party of ‘gaslighting’ residents.

Slough Council issued a section 114 notice in 2021 – effectively declaring itself bankrupt – after racking up a more than £700million debt pile.

It has sought Government help to bring its finances into order.

Council leader Cllr Dexter Smith (Con, Colnbrook and Poyle) said: “This is a budget which not only delivers on my administration’s priorities for Slough and for its residents, but also puts this council on the right path to recovery.

“It does take the hard decisions that need to be taken – these proposals are the right ones for the council’s viability and sustainability.”

The Tories made a manifesto pledge to keep any rise in council tax below the 10 per cent rise proposed by Labour, ahead of elections last year where the party seized control of the council.

Once in power, the new administration had planned for a 4.99 per cent rise but has now opted for 8.5 per cent, in a Uturn after it said more financial ‘black holes’ were found.

The council has sought to introduce other cost-cutting measures to address its balance sheet. It is looking to sell off The Curve venue and make cut-backs in other council departments.

However, the council did announce a new weekly food waste collection service for 5,000 households across Britwell, Chalvey, Colnbrook, Langley and Diamond Road estate – to begin later in spring.

Cabinet member for environmental services, Cllr Gurcharan Manku (Con, Langley St. Mary's) said: “Judge us [Conservatives] by our actions – investing in substantial ward clean ups and rolling out a weekly food bin collection service.”

He added: “The budget proposals are part of our continued efforts to make Slough a brighter and cleaner place for our residents.

“We will always give residents best value for their money.”

But leader of the Labour opposition Cllr Pavitar Kaur Mann (Britwell) hit back.

“The only thing that can be seen through this budget consistently, is them going back on their word - it’s a budget that’s taking Slough backwards,” said Cllr Mann.

“Over the last year, since they’ve been in charge, they’ve presided over a worsening financial recovery situation, worsening services and perhaps worst of all - a shocking decline in staff morale and the culture in this organisation.

“It’s a budget that’s full of spin with no substance, they are gaslighting the residents of Slough.”

Slough Labour group proposed six amendments to the budget which included measures aimed at staving off The Curve's sale and allocating funding for a ward-based street cleaning service.

All the party’s amendments were voted down with Conservative councillors complaining there was little evidence of where extra funding could be found.

The budget comes into effect on April 1 and was approved by 22 votes for, 16 against and one abstention.