County Council must protect frontline services and the vulnerable

9.44.09pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 13th Jul 2010

Today, at the Full Council meeting at Essex County Council, Acting Liberal Democrat Leader, Cllr Theresa Higgins, responded to the statement on 'Essex's response to Coalition Government announcements' made by the Leader of the Council, Cllr Peter Martin. She reminded the Leader that - whilst Conservatives and Liberal Democrats were in coalition at a national level - at county level Liberal Democrats will continue to call the administration to account. In particular she highlighted the ever increasing burden placed on the voluntary sector, and raised concerns that the most vulnerable residents of Essex should be protected, along with front-line services.

The council's Conservative leadership has announced that it will be consulting the residents of Essex on a number of issues. 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.