A LABOUR councillor who voted against his own party’s budget last year has voiced his concerns over plans for this year’s budget.

Clr Kevin Bennett ( LAB - Fairfield and Howley) says he is still waiting to have questions about the plans for 2014/15 budget answered.

He said: “After finally obtaining some of the financial information on this years budget, that will be put to full council on 3rd March 2014, I have asked for my questions to be answered.

“The Public Consultation was a ‘sham’, it was sent out with very limited information and didn’t outline what cuts would need to be made.

“As I understand it, adult Social Care will be ‘farmed out’ to a social enterprise company, which in my view would be a risk as the company is completely untested.

“There has been no explanation how this will save money, therefore I can only assume that it will be by cutting wages and staff. I have asked the question why can’t it be kept in-house?”

The budget is set to be voted on at a full council meeting on Monday night and includes a 1.98 per cent council tax rise, up to 75 job loses and service redesigns.

There are also plans to invest in energy efficiency schemes and an upgrade of Walton Hall Garden’s crazy golf course.