'Millions saved' but at what cost? : List of cuts Reform refused to reverse in eight hour budget meeting

A wide range of council services, including those focused on getting people fitter, improving coastal roads and attracting new businesses, will be removed under Lincolnshire County Council’s new budget.

The Reform administration says they are cutting wasted public money and delivering better value for money.

Councillor Tom Catton, the Reform executive councillor responsible for setting the budget, said it offered “better results without increasing spending”.

Their opponents submitted eleven budget amendments over the course of the meeting to reinstate services or change spending, with only one being adopted.

They accused the council of “lacking ambition” and making harmful cuts.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) was in the council chamber for the full meeting, which is Reform’s first budget since it came to power.

Here are the key points which became political battlegrounds.

Health living services

Weight loss and alcohol reduction services are being defunded as the council shifts its focus to children’s health.

Several programmes, which have been hailed as very successful, will lose their funding despite public consultation support to keep them going.

Labour leader Councillor Karen Lee said there was “no moral justification for cuts to services”, and said residents would lead shorter and more unhealthy lives as a result.

The programmes save the public over £4 for every £1 spent, and Independent Councillor Phil Dilks described it as “real value-for-money service”.

Public health funding, provided by the government, is being moved to early years services that aim to give children the best start in life.

Several Reform councillors expressed scepticism about taxpayer-funded Slimming World memberships.

“Weight isn’t something that can be solved by local authorities,” Coun Natalie Oliver said, describing it as a national issue.

“Let’s be realistic about a service that isn’t having much impact.”

£20m investment fund

One of the Conservatives’ last big initiatives in power was a £20million investment fund to attract businesses to Lincolnshire.

It would have created a defence sector in Lincoln and other new business parks and office space, potentially leading to 3500 new jobs.

Conservative Councillor Tom Dyer said the cancellation showed a “lack of ambition”, and there was no chance of the private sector stepping in.

Former council leader Martin Hill labelled it “one of the most depressing cuts” from the administration.

Reform’s Councillor Liam Kelly said no business he had spoken to had investment plans ready, and the fund could potentially return in the future.

“We don’t want to pile debt on the taxpayer,” he said.

24-hour emergency pothole repairs

An obligation to carry out repairs on potholes deemed emergencies within 24 hours will be changed to the end of the next calendar day.

It’s estimated this would save £85,000 – but Liberal Democrats said it would lead to more dangerous roads.

Councillor Martin Christopher said: “Residents facing council tax deserve better than a downgrade in basic safety.”

The council’s highways executive, Coun David East, said an extra £4 million had been invested in potholes and drainage problems, and that the amendment was “catastrophising the pothole situation”.

£2m for Grantham High Street

A long-running debate about £2million for Grantham High Street reignited, with councillors still at loggerheads.

Conservatives say the council has scrapped the commitment, while Reform claims the money has already been spent on other parts of the town.

Tory Councillor Richard Davies, who represents the town, said: “Let’s not play politics with Grantham” and asked for a commitment that the money would be available in future.

Leader Councillor Sean Matthews responded: “I don’t know how many more ways I can say this – you’ve spent the money.”

He said the council would look at possible further improvements for the town centre once the Grantham Relief Road is finished in two or three years.

£11m to improve coastal roads

An £11million fund to make it easier to drive to the East Coast has been scrapped.

It would have improved traffic pinchpoints, such as Wragby, Horncastle and the entry to Skegness, making it easier for tourists and businesses to make the journey.

Conservative Councillor Charlotte Vernon urged its reinstatement, saying it would “make a huge difference to coastal communities.”

Deputy council leader Rob Gibson said: “The money had sat for years under the Conservatives unspent”.

Future secured for community centres

The sole victory for opposition councillors came right at the end of the eight-hour meeting when two community centres marked for closure were saved.

The facilities in Long Sutton and Mablethorpe would have been transferred to new owners – either sold or divested – but the administration listened to pleas to keep them on.

Conservative Councillor Gary Taylor said the centres “play a vitally important role in those towns” and offered a wide range of services.

Discussions continued with local groups on how to get the best out of them.