We have now heard the leader of the Lib Dems on BBC Berkshire admit that they were scrapping their crazy plans to scrap our litter bins. Before the Lib Dem propaganda machine tries to paint this as a glorious victory for them, consider a few facts:
- The decision, to scrap bins and reduce emptying, announced by the Lib Dem exec member in the summer, was only called into question because Conservatives challenged the change and the fact that it hadnt followed due process.
- The benefits of each proposed change in the press release were not broken out, or subject to any scrutiny, so people could assess value for money
- Having intially tried to bluff it out, the Lib Dems then tried to tell the council that it wasnt their decision. This wasnt really credible as the press release had their Executive councillors name on it
- Conservatives started a petition to get the Lib Dem decision overturned and thanks to residents got more than 2,000 signatures - this meant we had a debate at full council
- Lib Dems admitted that they hadn't followed due process and hadnt consulted or made the decision transparently
- Lib dems claimed the changes were necessary, despite saving hardly any money
- At the full Council debate we proposed that the Liberal executive just scrapped the idea, they objected and tried to say they hadnt made a decision - again not credible as the changes had been made
- Liberals and their Labour apologists voted against our proposal and insisted even more of your money was wasted by taking the matter to the executive - a 100% lib dem body with noone else able to vote or speak.
NOW, LO AND BEHOLD, THEY HAVE DECIDED TO DO WHAT WE AND RESIDENTS TOLD THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE
The chilling thing is if CONSERVATIVES hadnt objected and raised a petition NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. WE WOULD HAVE BEEN KNEE DEEP IN LITTER AND DOG POO BAGS.
The following exchange at full council reminds me of 'Yes minister'.
