|
7
February, 2002
Graham Tope, Leader of the Greater
London Assembly Liberal Democrat group, has welcomed Mayor Ken
Livingstone's decision to listen to the concerns of the London Assembly and
reduce his proposed increase to the GLA precept to 15.24 per cent
from 35 per cent.
Graham Tope said: "The Mayor has finally seen sense and realised that his
original budget proposal, which would have cost London taxpayers an extra
pound a week, was excessive.
"I am pleased that the Mayor has at long last listened to the elected
representatives of London. He has taken into consideration the Assembly's
suggested precept increase of 12 per cent, and has proposed a more realistic
figure of 44 pence per week (Band D council tax).
|
"This extra funding would provide for the effective delivery of vital
services to London - transport, environment and the emergency services - without hitting Londoners where it hurts - in their pockets."
The final decision on the budget will be made on 13 February, when the
Assembly will debate the Mayor's final draft budget proposals.
Graham Tope warned: "The Mayor still needs to give us greater details on how he has amended his budget proposals, and the Liberal Democrats has to be
reassured that taxpayers' money is being spent wisely. Otherwise we can vote to amend his budget further."
|