Lib Dems call for more help for Liverpool most vulnerable

The proposed Liberal Democrat Amendment to Liverpool City Council’s forthcoming budget puts more into vital services that support thousands of local residents.

The amendment is back by both the Liberal Party and by the Liverpool Community Independents. It proposes four additional investments to the Administration’s budget focused around supporting some of Liverpool’s most vulnerable. 

Cllr Carl Cashman, Lib Dem leader, has allocated funds for a full-time face to face homelessness support officer within the Housing Options team. This is in the wake of multiple complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman, where it was held that the City Council failed in its duty of care toward people who presented as homeless. He called for Labour to pump the brakes on their proposed cuts to Councillors' Local Neighbourhood Fund, and instead called for the money to be reallocated to a “‘Womble Fund” to be used by the community in conjunction with ward Councillors.

In the face of Labour’s 25% Green Bin Tax hike in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis the Lib Dems have proposed additional support for residents struggling to pay their Green Bin charge. The last investment they’ve proposed is an increase of £100,000 in the Benefit Maximisation team in order to assist resident claim benefits that they are entitled to, such as free school meals.

The Liberal Democrats have also called for a cut back in the “gravy train” that the administration is appears to be on. They proposed cutting the number of cabinet positions by one and trying to cut back on excessive Cabinet Travel.

Leader of the Opposition, Cllr Carl Cashman said, “All councils are facing such tight budget expectations, but Liverpool is doubly unlucky. We’ve got a callous Conservative Government that has starved local authorities of funds and we’re stuck with Labour's liabilities, cleaning up of years of Labour’s financial mismanagement.

“If the Liberal Democrats were in control of the council, we would be looking at far wider reforms to how we operate some of our services – particularly Adult and Child Social Care – so we can deliver the best value for taxpayers. But what we’ve put forward, will have a positive impact across our city. What I am proud of is we’ve been able to pull together some additional funds to support the most vulnerable in Liverpool."