Final Budget Vote

22nd Feb 2004

At the Council Cabinet meeting on 17th February the Conservative group unveiled a proposed budged for next year that would mean council tax increase of 2.48% before the Mayor of London's bill. In light of last year's massive rise, resident's might hope for a decrease - but given the council's spending decisions since 1997, and Labour's earlier plans for another 20%+ hike this year, the Conservative plans look the best we can realistically expect..

The proposed budget takes Labours figures and simply cuts out spending on unnecessary and unwanted projects. We understand that schools, the elderly and other essential services remain unchanged.

Unfortunately Labour is the largest single group on the council:

The independent Labour councillor, Mark Ingram of Roxbourne, will generally vote Labour although he may be sympathetic to residents' wishes, especially given the strength of feeling regarding council tax. The other Independent councillor is Gordon Williams, who was voted in a a Conservative in Pinner South in 2002, but quickly changed his colours and supported Labour's 21% rise last year.

It is hoped that the Liberals will align with the wishes of Harrow residents support the alternative budget, which gives 31 votes for and against - Gordon Williams alone stands in the way.

Residents with an opinion are advised to express it to their councillors before Thursday's vote. A full list of Harrow councillors can be found here. It's unlikely than any Labour councillors will change their vote, but Mark Ingram should listen and others might split with the local party.

If you live in Pinner South, click here for more information about Gordon Williams.