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BCP’S lead member on finance would have you believe that his budget for next year is a bold new step in local government finance.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Just like Orwell’s Napoleon he wants us to all chant in unison ‘More Debt – Good: Less Debt – Bad’.
This of course from someone who has such a poor record with debt. Forgive me for being an old-fashioned traditionalist.
Borrowing, particularly with other peoples’ money, should be used to invest in bricks and mortar that provides a stable return.
This BCP Conservative administration have fallen hook, line and sinker for this part time venture capitalist, who couldn’t spell prudence, let alone abide by this cornerstone of accounting principles.
BCP is living way beyond its means with excess spending being financed by emptying reserves, stripping future income from beach huts and selling off assets. All this while indulging in the splashing out on vanity projects such as, barbeques that don’t work and Freeport and city status bids etc.
Margaret Thatcher would be horrified at such a reckless use of public money. We have a duty of care to this generation and the next when setting budgets.
It is incumbent on us all as councillors and officers, regardless of political leanings, to stop this gambling with the council’s future income to say enough is enough.
As the scrutiny committee recommends the ‘powers that be’ must go back and think again.
CLLR MIKE COX
Christchurch Town
