Leaders at Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council have criticised Labour councillors over their proposed alternative budget, warning it could put essential services at risk.
On February 20, Labour councillors set out plans to allocate £1.5million to repair playgrounds, £500,000 to keep libraries open, £500,000 to fill potholes and £2.4million for essential frontline services. They also want to restore £2.2million for accessibility improvements at Pokesdown Station, which is currently recommended to be withdrawn.
Responding to the proposals, Councillor Millie Earl, leader of the Three Towns Alliance administration, said Labour was underestimating the financial crisis in local government. She described the plans as a reckless threat to essential services and warned they would take council reserves to a dangerous level.
Councillor Earl said the administration had worked hard to bring the council back into a sustainable position for residents who rely on local services, adding that a prudent approach remained essential following reductions in government funding.
