The Leader of Buckinghamshire County Council has accused the Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes Council of being 'inaccurate and misleading' as part of the ongoing row over the proposed closure of Thrift Farm.
On Tuesday, we reported that Cllr Hannah O'Neill was proposing to help Bucks Council to prevent the closure of the farm, and she said the closure was down to 'Tory incompetence and maladministration'.
The community farm has been loved by generations of people growing up across Milton Keynes and North Bucks, but also provides supported employment to people with learning disabilities.
Responding to the article, the Leader of Buckinghamshire County Council, Martin Tett, said: “The claims made by Milton Keynes Council’s Cabinet Member, Hannah O’Neill, are inaccurate and misleading."
“The County Council has an excellent record of strong and prudent budgetary control and year on year has produced a balanced budget despite increasing financial pressures."
“Our children’s centres are fully open. We are in the middle of a full consultation process on our overarching Early Help strategy to set out its future direction. However, no decisions have yet been made."
“Next week, our Cabinet will decide whether to consult with residents about the options for the future of Thrift Farm. Again, no decision on its future has yet been made – and we want to engage with local people to achieve good, affordable future support for our vulnerable adults."
“It is the height of hypocrisy for Milton Keynes Council to accuse us of failing to consider offers from them. Our officers have repeatedly contacted them, kept them fully briefed and sought solutions – sometimes with no response back. The Labour Group’s press release does not propose any practical solutions but just seeks to make cheap and inaccurate political points. Local vulnerable people should not be used as a political football."
“We have pursued all available options for another provider to take over operations at the site and have examined carefully all proposals received, but none of the options proposed have been financially viable. We are still very open to hearing from anyone who has a credible and financially viable idea for the farm and I encourage any interested organisations to contact us.”
