A ‘Grave mistake’ has been made by the Conservatives in Milton Keynes. Thats the claim from City Liberal Democrats today.
Local Liberal Democrats uncovered hidden charges from the Conservative Council’s budget which specifically targets stillborn babies and children under 16yrs who die, they are set to face a 40.63% increase in Burials and Cremations which was hidden behind an ‘average’ of a 10% increase across the board for Burials and Cremations.
“It’s an absolute disgrace that the Conservatives not only tried to hide this 40.63% increase for stillborn babies and children who die, but its completely immoral and insensitive to think that they would even propose such a thing” said Sam Potts who last year was elected the city Youth Champion.
The Conservative Budget which is currently on Milton Keynes Council’s website for Consultation does not display the Council’s exemptions to the standard 4% increase across the board, ‘Annex E’, and the only reference to Burials and Cremations in the paper back copies, is a average of 10%.
Sam Potts who held the Cabinet brief for Health as well as Social care and community wellbeing in the last Lib Dem Cabinet said: “The position of the cabinet member for finance is becoming more untenable every day this sorry sarga continues. Either he knew about this charge and dillebratley hid the secret charge or he is not aware of his brief. The last time we had a cabinet member for finance who lost his grip on his portfolio the council fell apart. Either way – he should not be in his post by the close of play today.
Rev Jenny Mills, minister of the United Reformed Chuch, whom is also representing other Churches from Newport Pagnell and agrees with the Lib Dems on this issue said, “No cuts or increases are ever easy or welcomed but it seems particularly harsh to make increases that hit people when they are at their most vulnerable, especially when faced with having to deal with the death of their baby or child. The impact of the increased costs will make money a focus, and an extra burden, when families are grieving and struggling anyway”.
A petition has been set up online to try and force the Conservative Cabinet member for Finance to resign and also tell the Public what else they are hiding in their secret budget:www.ipetitions.com/petition/council-secrets/
You can also tell the Council what you think direct by emailing: budget@Milton-Keynes.gov.ukor write to; Budget Consultation, Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Milton Keynes, MK9 EJ before 3rd February 2012.
