ANOTHER year, another council budget, and yet another confirmation of the Lib Dem / Labour pact that exists on Bolton Council.

Last year the Lib Dems supported the Labour budget and this year Labour returned the favour and supported the Lib Dem budget - how very cosy.

The Conservative group tabled some constructive and realistic proposals to save money without affecting the services delivered to the public of Bolton.

The council tax consultation carried out at area forums highlighted many issues, but the most clearly identified one was the public perception that the council has too many unnecessary jobs.

The Conservatives' proposals included the need to rejustify all non-essential posts that are currently vacant, and that become vacant in the future, to an independent elected members panel.

No one had anything to fear by this proposal - no one would have lost their jobs - we simply proposed to review vacancies.

If the chief officers and senior managers could fully justify these positions, they would have been authorised to be filled.

We also proposed a pilot scheme that would attempt to tackle the costly problem of staff absence, which currently costs the local authority £11 million a year.

The pilot scheme that would have been implemented - with the assistance and help of the unions - would have aimed to improve staff well-being and assist those staff who fell ill, or were unable to carry out their duties, back to work quicker. Again, no one who was legitimately ill or unable to work had anything to fear.

Additionally, we proposed a full review of the councils property portfolio, to realise assets that are currently tied up in property that is either empty or under-utilised - common sense, we think.

We also said the payment currently made to the unelected government quango, the North West Regional Assembly, should be ceased immediately, and that car parking tariffs should rise no more than inflation. Again, all things that would benefit Bolton.

But, as normal, the Lib Dems caved in to Labour and brought them off with yet another raid on the council's reserves, a dangerous game that only delays the inevitable - more council tax rises in the future.

The public of Bolton rightly expects inflation-only council tax rises. They have a choice - no change under the current arrangements of a Lib Dem / Labour coalition, or a real alternative of value for money and efficiency with the Conservative group.

Andy Morgan

Councillor, Hulton Ward