Last week, the City Council agreed its budget for the coming year, and Lib Dem councillors put forward an amendment focusing on securing fair funding for MK, protecting essential services, and honesty with residents about financial challenges.
The amendment was supported by the Labour administration, while Conservative councillors voted against it.
Lib Dem councillors argued that the budget should always come back to what residents are experiencing on a daily basis.
Milton Keynes is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, but thry say Government funding has not kept pace with that growth, and that the new city ‘has faced years of tight financial settlements and short-term funding deals that make long-term planning difficult.’
At the same time, services such as Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support, along with the upkeep of roads, streetlights and street signs are facing increasing costs.
During the meeting, Lib Dem councillors urged the City Council to pursue every available grant and funding opportunity, so Milton Keynes secures the additional support it needs to support SEND services.
“What we say in this Chamber matters far less than what residents see outside it,” Lib Dem Leader, Councillor Jane Carr said, speaking at the Budget Council, “People see the cost-of-living rising. They see council tax going up. They see pressures on SEND, roads and streetlights.
“We must listen when residents tell us they’re struggling. Families are carefully balancing their own finances, and they expect us to do the same. Setting a balanced budget is not optional. It’s a legal duty. Milton Keynes has worked hard to manage their finances responsibly and protect services for residents.”
Lib Dem councillors also warned residents to be cautious about simple promises to cut council tax without explaining how services would be protected.
“Residents deserve honesty about council finances, not easy slogans,” added Deputy Leader, Councillor Kerrie Bradburn, “Every council in the country is facing rising costs in social care, SEND and infrastructure.
"Promising council tax cuts without saying what services would be reduced simply doesn’t add up. And if people are entitled to help, for example with council tax support, the Council should be proactive in letting them know.”
