Waltham Forest Liberal Democrat councillors tonight (Thursday 25 February) voted to freeze council tax and invest in priority services.

Liberal Democrat Leader John Macklin, who is also Cabinet member for Finance, told councillors:

“This is a budget that responds to the real needs of Waltham Forest residents. A council tax rise would have imposed a further and unwelcome burden on local taxpayers. So I am delighted that we have agreed a council tax freeze.

“This year residents will not need to worry about finding extra money to pay for council tax increases.”

The budget also invests additional funding into important priority services:

• Protecting vulnerable children – £250,000 extra
• Tackling the menace of dangerous dogs – £200,000 extra
• Additional street cleaning for the busiest areas: town centres and around schools – £500,000 extra
• Reduction in the cost of parking permits – £100,000

“These are all areas where extra funds will make a real difference,” said Cllr Macklin.

Commenting on the Conservative amendment, which sought to reduce enforcement activity, Cllr Bob Belam said:

“The responsible and law-abiding majority of residents want to enjoy clean and safe streets. They expect us to take tough action against hose who flout the rules without thinking of others. The Conservative attempt to cut funding for enforcement is a charter for those who litter our street and fly-tip in our open spaces.”