Residents are worried about rising costs and reduced services in South Gloucestershire due to new council policies, say local Conservatives.
South Gloucestershire: This year is shaping up to be a real headache for residents. The Conservatives are calling out the Lib Dem and Labour coalition for their “unfair” policies. They say these changes will make life tougher in 2025.
The Tories are pointing fingers at the council’s ruling group, claiming they’re pushing through some pretty controversial measures. They argue that these decisions will lead to higher costs and fewer services for everyone.
In response, the council leaders are saying the Conservatives left them with a financial mess. They accuse the previous administration of dodging tough choices, which has now created a budget gap that needs fixing.
One big concern is the new car parking charges coming this spring. Plus, garden waste collection fees are set to jump from £60 to £70. That’s a hefty increase, especially since it was just £30 last year!
And it doesn’t stop there. The Conservatives are also against cutting black bin collections from every two weeks to three weeks. They’re worried about plans to build on greenbelt land, too. More details are expected soon with the Local Plan housing blueprint.
Cllr Sam Bromiley, the Tory group leader, is really vocal about these issues. He believes all these policies will make 2025 a nightmare for residents. He’s urging the coalition to reconsider their approach.
He’s not shy about saying that the Lib Dem and Labour coalition is making choices that hurt residents and the environment. He’s proud of the Conservative group for standing up against these policies.
As the next local elections approach in 2027, he warns that the consequences of these decisions will be felt by everyone. Higher bills, fewer services, and environmental damage are just a few of the outcomes he predicts.
On the flip side, Lib Dem Cllr Maggie Tyrrell argues that the previous Conservative government left them in a tough spot financially. She says they’re trying to create a sustainable council while keeping essential services intact.
She’s open to discussions with the Conservatives but feels they haven’t been constructive so far. It’s a tense situation, and residents are left wondering what the future holds.
