THE political battle over Winchester City Council's latest budget surged on at a recent cabinet meeting.

Councillors unanimously approved the spending plan – but not without heavy debate between the Conservatives and the Lib Dems.

Leader of the Tories on the council, Cllr Caroline Horrill, opened debate with a scathing review.

She said: "Yes it has been a tough year for everyone. Our council is still supporting the arts, grants to community groups, providing sports and leisure facilities and still working towards the climate emergency.

"Yet we still have strong reserves – but residents must pay at every turn."

As previously reported, the new budget will see council tax rise of 3 per cent and jobs will be cut.

"Why are we hitting the pockets of residents in this challenging time?" continued Cllr Horrill.

"And why are we cutting staff after everything they've done – there are 20-plus heads on the line from our key sectors.

"I also do not see effort from this administration to generate income from assets we already own. We are still talking about Central Winchester Regeneration after a planning document was approved two years ago.

"How can we have buildings standing empty and not making cash? It shows the inability to get things done."

Lib Dem Cllr Neil Cutler, cabinet member for finance and risk, said that staffing currently costs the council £15.5 million.

"There's no way the savings can be made without changes to staffing," he said.

"None of the councillors have made constructive comments about how to save money and are all piling in on this vague view that there must be another way.

"We have finally received recognition from Cllr Horrill that these are challenging times, but there's been no helpful contribution."

The budget will see 3.5 full time employees removed from the planning team.

Cllr Hugh Lumby, who represents the Upper Meon Valley Ward, raised concerns that the department is already struggling.

He said: "I consider this a huge mistake. I've spoken with many planning officers over the years and they feel they are struggling, underpaid and lacking team members.

"There are better jobs elsewhere and we are at risk of collapse.

"We've also seen time and time again in the press that people are breaking the rules – because enforcement is struggling.

"We need to strengthen this. It's hard enough already and our team is struggling to keep the show on the road at no fault of their own. Act before it is too late."

Cllr Jackie Porter said that she has worked closely with planning team for years and denied that they feel under-appreciated.

The budget will be discussed at the next full council meeting.