Conservatives and Labour unite against help for carers and pothole repairs

9.59.26am GMT Fri 26th Feb 2010

Vince Cable and Mike Cox discussing family finances in the current climate at a conference in Watford

At the Council meeting on the 25th February both the Conservatives and Labour parties in Hillingdon united to reject extra help for the carers and pothole repairs. The Liberal Democrat amendment to the Councils budget would have been funded by cuts in Councillors allowances, Civic Centre Communication budgets and cuts to the massive pay and pensions for senior directors.

Cllr Jill Rhodes, whose own car was out of action due to hitting bad potholes in Breakspear Road, spoke about the need for better quality and more frequent repairs. She said

"I appreciate that additional one off money have been put aside to deal with the current crisis but we want better quality and more frequent repairs this year and every year."

Cllr Mike Cox leader of the Hillingdon Lib Dem group said afterwards

"The Conservative administration is now begging the Labour government to capitalise the losses they have made on their Icelandic investment so that future generations will pay for their mistakes in 2008.

The rejection of our proposals to cut Civic centre fat just shows the depths they they will plunder to preserve their status and their pay packets. They really don't give a "Monkey's Uncle" for financial prudence or ordinary Hillingdon residents."