FOLLOWING the announcement that Hampshire County Council (HCC) proposes to cut funding for a number of services, a Basingstoke councillor has claimed it is not the first ‘broken promise’ by the Conservative-led council.

The leader of the Basingstoke Liberal Democrats, Councillor Gavin James said that ahead of the county council election back in May of this year, the Conservatives made a number of promises they have yet to fulfil.

The Basingstoke Liberal Democrat group claims that HCC has reneged on promises to keep council tax low and service quality high, maintain roads and pavements to high standards, make recycling easier, work with the NHS and partners to help make Hampshire healthier, invest in Hampshire’s country parks and to keep libraries and extend their services.

Cllr James said: “It’s a case of ‘here we go again’. The Conservatives have shown once again that they can’t be trusted to look after our public services.

“It’s taken them just four months to rip up a long list of promises and U-turn on important investment commitments in transport, health and education.

“They promised to keep service quality high, but have instead announced a package of deeply damaging cuts what will leave a trail of devastation throughout the county.”

However, despite these claims, the leader of HCC, Councillor Roy Perry, pictured, said the ruling Conservative party has every intention of living up to these pledges.

Cllr Perry said: “We said we deliver good value and Hampshire’s council tax precept is the second lowest of any county whilst our services are amongst the best.

“When our budget was set in 2017 the Liberal Democrats in full knowledge of the financial situation offered no alternative.

So far the only written financial request I have had from Hampshire Lib Dems is to increase their opposition spokesperson’s allowances.”

Cllr Perry added: “In the 12 years I have served on the county council I have lost count of the times the Lib Dems and Labour members have urged us to spend from the reserves. Fortunately, we resisted those calls so we are now in as strong a position as any other council to cope with the pressures.”