Statement on budget co-operation with the Green Councillors

11.51.01pm GMT Tue 16th Feb 2010

There has been a number of areas where the Liberal Democrat and Green Groups have been able to reach an agreement, and therefore in the spirit of cross party co-operation and the need to pass a budget, several elements have been included in the Budget to be approved by the Executive.

1. The reduction of Respark Visitor permit charges from the current £1.10 to 90p from 01/04/10 has been agreed.

2. The freezing of Park and Ride fares (previously proposed 10p increase)

3. The maintaining of an investment fund to provide £100,000 of targetted domestic insulation in the city as was included last year.

4. Commitment to fund the Fishergate Gyratory Safety Improvement Scheme (£500,000)

5. A consultants report on insulation to the Guildhall and Mansion House to take account of the Listed Building status of both (£3,000)

6. Removing threatened redundancy of one Democracy Officer post (£27,000)

7. Completion of the Millennium Bridge Lighting Renovation Scheme - fitting new low energy equipment

Both groups wanted to see the retention of the Community Arts Service, and Arts Consultants. In the case of the Community Arts Service, the Executive Member Cllr Nigel Ayre will be detailing how a new "Inclusive Arts Service" will deliver more clearly defined objectives, and measured outcomes. The Arts Consultants will become funded by schools from September 2010.

Cllr Andrew Waller

16/02/10