I read with interest the comments of the Conservative leader and Finance spokesperson in response to our budget last week.

It seems that whilst local Lib Dems are working hard to protect our services, Tory councillors are relishing the thought of slashing services and delivering even bigger cuts.

In Kingston it has been the Liberal Democrats who have been leading the fight to protect our services and invest in our future.

And thanks to some good long term planning and a lot of hard work, we have been able to not only freeze council tax this year but also protect those services that affect the most vulnerable groups in Kingston.

We’re also investing in our schools and ensuring we protect our thriving voluntary sector, which is a vital part of our Borough and something I’m personally championing as leader.

The local Tories have been quick to say more cuts are a good thing for Kingston. I think that’s a dangerous and cavalier attitude to our services. We’ve managed budget cuts because we have to, but if we can protect vital local services for people then we should do everything in our power to do so.

Liberal Democrats in Kingston believe we should protect our services, invest in new schools, and support our most vulnerable with a new dementia home. We now know that the Conservatives will put all that at risk.

Cllr Liz Green
Leader, Royal Borough of Kingston

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