Lib Dems stall Tory Land Sales policy
June 7, 2007 7:00 PM
The Tory Administration set up a small Land Sales panel of Councillors to identify £150M plus of Council property which it could sell off. Their aim to raise the money for a building programme including an Olympic standard swimming complex, a new Town Square behind the Town Hall, plus needed schools.
The 7 strong panel,included 2 Cabinet Members, has been meeting in secret with banned from discussing its activities. When reports went to the Tory Cabinet they agreed a string of sales including allotments, public car parks and council buildings currently used by charities.
Previous attempts to challenge the process have failed. But at the Council Meeting on May 17th the Lib Dem Councillors successfully forced the Cabinet to re-consider its previous decisions to sell off assets. Although all 34 Tory Councillors had previously backed their leaders sell off plans some were persuaded by the Lib Dem requisition either to abstain or in one instance vote for the Lib Dem motion.
As a result the Tory Cabinet has been told it must review its previous sales decisions, and give objectors to the sales an opportunity to make their case why assets should not be sold.
The cabinet should now include an assessment of the impact of any sales they propose and consult the public before any final decision is made.
Speaking after Council meeting Cllr Richard Hoskins said " The Tory's administration had steam-rollered its secret sales policy through Council. Residents across the borough are furious and the public gallery was packed with allotment holders delighted we have stalled this administrations plans.
A leadership caucas within the Tory administration has pushed this policy regardless of the view or needs of the public. There is no doubt they will try again. But given the support we had in Council and from residents and local businesses they must learn to think again"
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