A few days ago I received a couple of flashy, full colour flyers from Eastleigh Lib Dems. They told me they were pushing, protecting, campaigning, fighting, defending, working hard and getting results on my behalf although all I see are deteriorating services.
What really takes the biscuit, however, is their assertion that ‘Hampshire and Southampton are both close to bankruptcy.’ Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Of 317 local authorities in England, Eastleigh is one of the most indebted in absolute and per capita terms and the most indebted in Hampshire. Now though, with local government reorganisation not far away Eastleigh can dump its debt on the authorities it merges with who all have a lot less debt.
Then we are told that Eastleigh’s Council Tax has been ‘cut ……. every year for 22 years in real terms.’ That is being economical with the truth. Many Borough responsibilities have been passed down to Parish Councils and these costs are now included in the Parish Tax. No doubt more responsibilities will be delegated to keep up the facade of no Council Tax rises.
Additionally, costs for services have increased significantly, one example being green waste collection. Initially, there was no charge but this year there is a fee of £60 - double what it was 12 years ago. Inflation over that period was 42%.
Eastleigh Lib. Dems. have been in power for more than the last 30 years. They are responsible.
E. Wright,
Alexandra Road,
Chandler’s Ford,
Eastleigh
Share