County Council must protect front-line services and the vulnerable

8.44.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 14th Jul 2010

Essex County Council has announced a public consultation on the future of council services. At a meeting on Tuesday, the Liberal Democrats called on the council to ensure that the most vulnerable residents of Essex should be protected, along with front-line services.

Acting Lib Dem Group Leader, Cllr Theresa Higgins, was responding to the statement on 'Essex's response to Coalition Government announcements' made by the Leader of the Council, Cllr Peter Martin. Cllr Higgins stated that - whilst Conservatives and Liberal Democrats were in coalition nationally - locally Liberal Democrats will continue to call the administration to account. In particular she highlighted the ever increasing burden placed on the voluntary sector.

Cllr Higgins pointed out that the consultation should be accessible to all residents. She also urged the ruling group to think what localities work well together when considering what parts of Essex should be included in Local Economic Partnership. An Essex wide partnership may not be the answer and cross-border working should be investigated. If powers are devolved to a local level, Liberal Democrats want to have clarity over funding and responsibilities.