THE spin that Mark Edwards has put on the budget that was unanimously opposed by all non Tory councillors on Monday night cannot pass unchallenged.

There is no consensus on his flawed budget.

The hidden increases in taxation represented by increases in fees and charges across the board far above inflation have been described repeatedly as managing demand. Make the service so expensive nobody wants it so the service can be eliminated is what this Tory cabinet is about, managing demand.

The budget is flawed in that it understates the costs of providing services in the coming year, particularly in adult social care. At the same time it is establishing a general contingency of 1.625 million in the knowledge it will be needed. It also overstates the position in treasury management, I would guess by about two million.

If it were simply an accounting thing I would not worry, the real issue is that by understating and non-provision for the necessary costs of critical social provision, it will mean that reductions in services and cuts will be demanded and will be made in the coming year.

They have to bring the budget into line during the coming year and raising income is impossible so cuts are inevitable.

We can stand up each and every one of our proposals, space permitting, and had hoped to overcome political tribalism. We will try again starting next month and start with getting a relevant bus service to the academy for the children of Penhill.

What’s the betting though that we will not hear about any cuts until after the General Election when it will all be the government’s fault, again?

If there is a change of government who will they blame then?

Those with short memories need only look at Swindon Borough Council to know what a Cameron government would be like.

(Coun) DES MOFFATT Western Labour shadow lead member, resources Ferndale Road Swindon